Responding to Covid-19 in Lochalsh

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A new COVID-19 support network has developed in Lochalsh in response to the COVID emergency.

Called the Lochalsh Community Response, its purpose is to provide support for local communities and try to minimise Coronavirus impact on people in the area, particularly if they are self-isolating, being shielded due to underlying health problems or affected by poverty and loss of income.

Lochalsh Community Response

The Lochalsh Community Response covers 7 community council areas and provides the following services:

  • It has set up a Lochalsh-wide Helpline which people can call to request help with shopping or other errands. This information is then passed to specific community council areas where local volunteers help to carry out the tasks and ensure that people get the shopping and medication they need and know how to contact other essential services

  • It has created a dedicated website and a Facebook page where people can find information about locally available support. It has also produced a leaflet with information which was delivered to all households in Lochalsh.

  • It has set up a Food Share Project where food, nearing its sell-by date, from our local Co-op and Spar supermarkets, is distributed to those in need. People can call a newly set up Food Share Helpline to have it delivered or collect it from set locations.

  • It promotes the befriending and support services run by Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations for those experiencing additional hardship, mental health problems and other issues.

  • It has secured funding for local organisations so they can support their vulnerable members during the outbreak. This includes organisations supporting young people and those who are disabled or with special needs as well as a neighbouring community council which works with a hotel to make and deliver meals to vulnerable people.

  • It has teamed up with a local Pilates teacher to produce a series of online video classes that people can access at their leisure.

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Additional services

Lochalsh Community Response is also currently working to provide additional services:

  • As the local newspaper has closed temporarily, it is planning to produce a regular newsletter to keep the community informed about what’s going on locally.

  • It is working to set up a Meals on Wheels and Food Vouchers project in Lochalsh.

  • It is working with a local outdoor professional to produce a series of short bike maintenance videos which will help people to resolve simple problems and get out riding their bikes safely for their permitted exercise during the Coronavirus lockdown.

  • Finally, it is planning to set up a Virtual Meeting Space using both online platforms and group phone calls, led by volunteer tutors and hosts, in an effort to try and keep community life going during the crisis.

Local partnership

The Lochalsh Community Response group includes around 20 organisations, community councils, and newly set-up Covid-19 support groups. The group is led by Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust, and holds weekly video-conferences which consider the progress of projects, local need and what additional support may be required. The calls are attended by a local councillor to ensure that local volunteer effort is linked to wider support from public services.

The group grew from the Lochalsh Collaboration which itself links local community councils, community development trusts and groups to look at community engagement and community action planning in the Lochalsh area. Having an effective place-based partnership in existence has helped to establish a strong cross-community response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The strength of the place-based partnership work is further evidenced by the fact that the network has recently been supporting the Covid-19 emergency response within the neighbouring Kyleakin & Kylerhea Community Council area. 

More info

For more information on Lochalsh Community Response see below.