League of Friends of the Western Isles Hospital
“I thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the residents at the recent Christmas Concert. I think the residents enjoy listening to someone as young as me singing an old traditional Gaelic song and it shows them that the language, music and culture of the islands are still being used by the younger generations.” — Mark Macleod, Gaelic singer, age 12
The League of Friends of the Western Isles Hospital provides resources, services and care for patients and residents in need. One programme the Friends established is the community entertainment and summer outings scheme. What was initially a very modest project, involving entertainment evenings for elderly residents and special needs clients in care homes became a programme of recorded entertainment which is broadcast to listeners and viewers in other residential homes and in the hospital.
A further extension of the project enabled the Friends to hire a minibus using the volunteers as drivers, and to organise Saturday afternoon outings for elderly residents at two local authority residential homes.
“I feel I was able to bring something to the residents by offering to drive them around on Saturday afternoons. With my own knowledge of the island, I am also able to give them information on the history of villages, communities and landmarks which some of the residents have not previously been aware of. Mind you, I have also benefited from listening to the stories of old which some of the residents are able to relay on the journeys. It is a most wonderful and satisfying experience for me.” — Kenny Finlayson, volunteer driver
At any one time, the Friends have over 95 volunteers, 100 Duke of Edinburgh Award placements, five staff, and a management committee of 24. The Friends hope to continue expanding their volunteer base and the services they are able to provide.
Quote
“It is very satisfying to hear residents say of an outing, 'It was the first time in my life I have been up at the airport and seen a plane land. I waited 90 years for this experience.” — Donald Martin, Chairman, Western Isles League of Friends
Created July 19, 2012
The League of Friends of the Western Isles Hospital benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
