Third Sector Hebrides Uist

Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations merged with Third Sector Hebrides in April 2010 and Third Sector Hebrides Uist is the arm of the merged organisation which specifically supports voluntary groups in the Uists.  It exists to represent and support the voluntary sector, assist organisations in coming together for common purpose and enable local people to gain access to the decision-making processes that affect their community.

Third Sector Hebrides Uist is responsible for Am Paipear, a monthly community newspaper, the Trust Fund for the Disabled, the Balivanich Thrift Shop, and the Gardening Scheme.

• Contact: Jean Newman
  Position: Support Officer
  Address: 41 Airport Road
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LA
  Phone: 01870 60 2117
  Fax: 01870 60 2117
  Email: manager@ucvo.org.uk
  Website: www.ucvo.info
  Area(s) of interest: Community development, social welfare

Advocacy is about being supported to speak up for yourself, defending your rights, promoting your interests and ensuring that your voice is heard.

• Contact: Alison Buchanan
  Position: Assist. Co-ordinator
  Address: East Camp
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LA
  Phone: 01870 603891
  Fax: 01870 603891
  Email: uistandbarra@advocacywi.co.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Advocacy

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.

24 hour helpline 0845 7697555 local rate.

• Contact: Denise Symington
  Position: ADSAT
  Address: 9 Springfield Road
  Township: Stornoway
  Island: Isle of Lewis
  Postcode: HS1
  Phone: 01851 702 712
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling

Helping people with life issues. Cafe and drop in centre at East Camp.

• Contact: Rev Iain MacAskill
  Position: Chairman
  Address: An Caladh, East Camp
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LA
  Phone: 01870 60 3888
  Email: admin@caladhtrust.org
  Area(s) of interest: Assistance with life issues

Generic befriending service.

• Contact: Sheena Stewart
  Position: Manager
  Address: East Camp
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Isle of Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7
  Phone: 01870603233
  Email: caraidean.uibhist@tiscali.co.uk
  

Free, confidential, personal counselling for individuals and couples facing difficulties including stress, relationship problems, bereavement, sexual abuse, alcohol or drug problems and other personal issues. Also family mediation for separating or divorcing couples. Contact centre available for parents to see children.

• Contact: Catherine Walker
  Position: Co-ordinator
  Address: 8 Harbour View
  Township: Cromwell Street Quay
  Island: Stornoway, Lewis
  Postcode: HS1 2DF
  Phone: 01851 706868
  Fax: 01851 706868
  Email: office@cfmwi.co.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling

Offers advice and counselling to people with addictions and/or their families.

• Contact: Sylvia Norton
  Position: Counsellor/Support Worker
  Address: Clachan Cottage
  Township: Eochar
  Island: South Uist
  Postcode: HS8 5RA
  Phone: 01870 610 737 / 07747766417
  Email: bridge@crossreach.org.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Addictions

Provides advice and counselling to victims.

• Contact: Darlene Mackay
  Position: Administrator
  Address: PO Box 10
  Township: Dingwall
  Postcode: IV15 9HA
  Phone: Office - 01349 865 316 Helplines - 0808 800 0123 (answered by female support workers) 0808 800 0122 (answered by male support workers)
  Email: ral@pobox10.wanadoo.co.uk
  Website: www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Rape and abuse

Alcohol and drug addiction support group aiming to help people with addiction and their families. Regular meetings at Caladh Trust Building in East Camp.

• Contact: Rev Ian MacAskill
  Address: Myrtle House
  Township: 12 Liniclate
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7
  Phone: 01870 60 3888
  Email: admin@caladhtrust.org
  Area(s) of interest: Alcohol and drug addiction

Local telephone line open from 7pm to 7.30am.  24-hour Linkline 0345 909090. Offers emotional support to people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including feelings of suicide.  

• Contact: Emelin
  Position: Chairperson
  Address: 23 Bayhead
  Township: Stornoway
  Island: Isle of Lewis
  Postcode: HS1 2DU
  Phone: 01851 703777
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling

Provides support and relieves stress on carers and their families by enabling them to take regular breaks from their caring responsibilities, to relax, socialise or rest. Supports vulnerable people living on their own.

• Contact: Catherine MacKinnon
  Position: Manager
  Address: East Camp
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LA
  Phone: 01870 602111
  Email: tagsa.uibhist@care4free.net
  Area(s) of interest: Community care

Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations merged with Third Sector Hebrides in April 2010 and Third Sector Hebrides Uist is the arm of the merged organisation which specifically supports voluntary groups in the Uists.  It exists to represent and support the voluntary sector, assist organisations in coming together for common purpose and enable local people to gain access to the decision-making processes that affect their community.

Third Sector Hebrides Uist is responsible for Am Paipear, a monthly community newspaper, the Trust Fund for the Disabled, the Balivanich Thrift Shop, and the Gardening Scheme.

• Contact: Jean Newman
  Position: Support Officer
  Address: 41 Airport Road
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LA
  Phone: 01870 602117
  Fax: 01870 602117
  Email: manager@ucvo.org.uk
  Website: www.ucvo.info
  

Free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information on a wide range of topics including benefits, consumer rights, debt, housing and the law. Representation at tribunals in some circumstances. Social policy work.

• Contact: Helen MacLean
  Position: Manager
  Address: 45 Winfield Way
  Township: Balivanich
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LH
  Phone: 01870 60 2421
  Email: bureau@uistcab.casonline.org.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling

U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.

• Contact: Alexander J MacGillivray
  Position: Chairperson
  Address: 28a Aird
  Township: Aird
  Island: Benbecula
  Postcode: HS7 5LT
  Phone: 01870 602240
  Email: ayagill@orpheusmail.co.uk
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, Arts, Education, Elderly, Environment, Health, History, Language, Music, Voluntary Services

Provision of a range of services for people with mental health problems and their families in partnership with other organisations. Self-help, information, advice, representation and advocacy. Educational and social events. Creative writing group - provision at Catch 23, Drop-in Centre, Stornoway.

• Contact: Niall Shaw
  Position: Chairman
  Address: 23 Bayhead
  Township: Stornoway
  Island: Isle of Lewis
  Postcode: HS1 2DU
  Phone: 01851 70 4964
  Email: wiamh@ireach.org.uk
  Website: www.wiamh.org
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling, mental health

Self-help group for people using community care and health services. Offering information, peer support, advice and advocacy.  Campaigning for service improvement.

• Contact: Jinty Morrison
  Position: Chairperson
  Address: Box 16, Voluntary Action Lewis
  Township: 30 Francis Street, Stornoway
  Island: Isle of Lewis
  Postcode: HS1 2ND
  Phone: 01851 621232
  Email: jintymorrison@aol.com
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling. Community Care

Advice, information, support, counselling and refuge service for women and children caught up in domestic violence.  24 hour emergency on-call service. Women’s Resource Centre offers an informal, welcoming space for women to meet and gain support and information. Outreach service teen support 12 to 18 year old male and female.

• Address: Women's Resource Centre
  Township: 53 Bayhead, Stornoway
  Island: Isle of Lewis
  Postcode: HS1 2DZ
  Phone: 01851 704750
  Fax: 01851 706958
  Email: wiwasty@hotmail.com
  Area(s) of interest: Advice, information, guidance and counselling, children, families, social welfare