This exciting new project is aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting social activities across the West Harris estate and wider community. This is more relevant now than ever before, with many facing enforced
isolation as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
Social isolation is known to have a hugely negative effect on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and affects
all, no matter their stage of life. We hope through this project to develop effective ways to prevent and reduce
social isolation. In the coming months, we will be putting our heads together (socially distanced of course) to create a project
strategy and meet with our wonderful partners, Third Sector Hebrides (Befriending Lewis and Harris) and
mPower, who we will be working alongside to the benefit of our island communities. We will also be carrying out a number of engagement activities to allow us to better understand your priorities and needs, allowing us to devise and deliver a programme of
interesting and inclusive events and activities.
Among proposed activities are a horticulture group, health walks, workshops and ceilidhs. Covid19 will of
course continue to impact the project, but we are working our way through guidance to better understand how
we can adapt the project to ensure participants remain safe.
This project came about following previous community consultations in which a need was identified for greater opportunities for social activities. We want the project to be led by the community, for the community and this will only be possible with your input.