Welcome to Older People WI, the local site for over 55?s in the Western Isles.

The site has been developed to help you find local groups and clubs within your area, find out what activities are being planned and help you access a range of local and national services.

If you have a forthcoming event or activity you would like to promote on this site, please let us know.

Tuesday 27th September:  1.30pm-3pm at Grianan Day Centre, Westview Terrace, Stornoway. Followed by refreshments.

Do you or someone you care for suffer from a neurological condition?

Neuro Hebrides is a friendly and informal support group offering the opportunity to look around NHS Western Isles’ new Centre for Independent Living. The centre showcases how technological aids work together with advice and support to help independent living.  All are welcome to attend.

Further information please contact Anne via emailing: mailto:neurovoiceswi@gmail.com or telephone Nicky on 0744 351 3761.

Have you, a family member, friend, or someone you know had, or is having, an issue with alcohol or drug misuse? If so, the Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership wants to hear from you about the services you, or someone you know, have experienced at its following sessions being held throughout the Western Isles:LEWIS – Wednesday 31st August (two sessions) …
* The Shed, Francis Street, Stornoway, from 10am-3pm and 7pm-9pm

HARRIS – Thursday 1st September from 11am-3pm
* The Harris Hub, Tarbert

UIST – Wednesday 14th September (two sessions)
* Cothrom Learning Centre, South Uist, from 10.30am-3.30pm
* Caraidean Uibhist, East Camp, Balivanich, from 7pm-9pm

BARRA – Tuesday 13th September (two sessions)
* The Youth Cafe, Castlebay, from 2.30pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm

Alcohol and drug misuse can affect us all. The help and support we receive can help our understanding of the addiction and its recovery process. Continue reading →

Friday 3rd June: 2pm-3.30pm in the Clan MacQuarrie Centre, Borve

As part of Dementia Awareness Week why not come along to the drop-in open day/dementia cafe.

The event is for people with dementia, their carers, families and friends – and also for those living in the local area interested in finding out more about what Alzheimer Scotland does.

For further information please contact Christina MacLeod, tel. 01851 702123 or email: cmacleod@alzscot.org

A theatre group are searching for women born before 1945 to hear about their life stories, with a view to creating a piece of theatre out of all the stories collected.

The team are interested in the stories that women might choose to tell, rather than having a set of questions – and it is hoped that conversations will be as wide ranging as possible.

To give you an idea, you may be asked about married life and family, experiences of wartime Scotland, working life, churchgoing, what it means to be a part of a remote island community… the group are also happy to interview people alone or in groups. Continue reading →

Come and join this FREE event and learn the basics of your phone, Ipad, laptop or tablet over tea and biscuits. All welcome.

Every Wednesday for 12 weeks these event will be held in the Lewis Retirement Centre, Bayhead, Stornoway.

For further information please contact Donald McKee, tel. 0774 716 6758.

NHS Western Isles’ Occupational Therapists are driving a campaign to raise awareness of Telecare monitoring systems and to encourage people to consider bringing these alarms and sensors into play sooner rather than later.

The Telecare monitoring system is maintained by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Faire service. Equipment ranges from the basic personal button alarm to the more advanced equipment such as property exit sensors. This technology can make a big difference to whole families by enabling vulnerable people to live more independently in their homes and by giving their loved ones some peace of mind.  The new Western Isles Telecare leaflet is available to view by clicking here.

Currently Occupational Therapy are running a program of short 10-30 minute Telecare information presentations and we would be keen to be invited to do this with both professional and public groups.

If your group/team would like to take advantage of a presentation, at no cost, please contact:

Kirsty P Paterson, Occupational Therapist, OT Department, Western Isles Hospital, Macaulay Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis  HS1 2AF.  Tel: 01851 704704 ext. 2421 or Mobile: 0782 575 5111.  Email: kirsty.paterson@nhs.net

Occupational therapy website: http://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/ot-home

An information leaflet has recently been produced offering useful information about Faire: Western Isles Community Telecare Service.

Faire is a personalised Telecare support service for those living in the Western Isles.  Telecare offers support for carers. With a Telecare alarm in place, carers can have more frequent periods of rest knowing they will be alerted if a problem arises.

Leaflet topics include: how do telecare alarms work; are there different types of Telecare?; is there an installation or a rental charge?; how many Contact Persons are required, and what are their roles?; and How do I apply for a Faire Telecare Alarm?

To view the leaflet please click here.

Grants of up to £500 (or exceptionally up to £1,000) are available to support an event or engagement activity with a group of five or more people.

As part of the national conversation about the future of health and care services in Scotland (Creating a Healthier Scotland – What matters to you) VAF is delighted to announce the launch of the Scottish Government’s new Healthier Scotland Engagement Fund. Continue reading →

Pension Wise is a new free and impartial service, and guidance appointments are now available through your local Western Isles Citizens Advice Bureau on how individuals can use the new pension freedoms introduced by the government in April.  To view the leaflet please click here.

The freedoms give individuals more choices for accessing their defined contribution pensions, and Pension Wise is designed to help them understand and navigate these choices, empowering them to make the decision that’s right for them.

Guidance appointments explain what options people now have, and explain to them how this might affect tax and benefits, and how to spot and avoid scams. Pension Wise does not provide financial advice, and will not recommend any products, services or courses of action. Continue reading →