Caring for Carers: £10,000 CIF award helps Crossroads Lewis continue vital support across Galson Estate Trust area

 A Lewis charity which supports unpaid carers and vulnerable residents across the island, has received a much-needed £10,000 award from our Community Investment Fund.

Crossroads Lewis, which supports unpaid carers in the Isle of Lewis through weekly respite care, as well as tailored support for those living alone in exceptional circumstances, has been awarded a £10,000 CIF Development Grant. The funding will enable the charity to continue, and expand, its services within the Galson Estate Trust area, from Upper Barvas to Port of Ness.  

Alongside its weekly respite services, Crossroads Lewis also provides palliative care and 24-hour support through its short break support, enabling carers to take extended breaks of three nights and four days. As demand for services continues to rise and public sector resources face pressure, Crossroads Lewis strives to remain flexible to meet local needs. However, financial challenge, including rising staffing costs and national insurance contributions, limit how many hours of support can be provided. This grant from Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn ensures that the charity can maintain and extend its vital services in the area. 

Lorna Morrison, Crossroads Lewis commented: “At Crossroads Lewis, we aim to meet the needs of carers and those we support as best we can. We assess each individual’s circumstances and work with families to create tailored care plans. 

“Currently, Crossroads Lewis supports 95 service users across the Isle of Lewis, including 12 families within the Galson Estate Trust area, eight receiving carer respite and four living alone, totalling 33 hours of support each week. With this much-needed funding from Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, we can continue delivering these services without reducing provision, whilst also supporting those currently on our waiting list.” 

The Community Investment Fund (CIF), which was created in 2014 and has since awarded over £600,000 to local organisations, supports projects which address the issues, needs and aspirations of the community of the Galson Estate Trust area. CIF is aimed at organisations that provide, or seek to provide, activities or services that focus on developing skills; improving health and wellbeing; relieving poverty; protecting the environment; engaging local people to become more active in the community; promoting and protecting the rich heritage and culture of the area; and developing, revitalising and growing industry sectors.

Mairi Graham, Development Officer, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, added: “The work of Crossroads Lewis is invaluable to our community and beyond. We’re proud to support this crucial service through our Community Investment Fund. 

“One of our strategic priorities is to promote care and wellbeing across our community, and this funding helps support some of our most vulnerable members and their carers, improving quality of life and mental wellbeing. Should demand for services grow, we would welcome opportunities for continuing our support for the charity.” 

To find out more about our Community Investment Fund, please visit www.galsontrust.com/funding to find out whether your organisation is eligible and to complete an application form.