Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers co-founder awarded MBE
We are delighted to share the news that our former Chair, Mrs Pat Walsh, has been recognised in the latest honours list. Pat has been awarded an MBE for a lifetime’s work supporting several health and social care projects and organisations in Skye and Lochalsh. Having been a senior social worker for many years, Pat has continued to support many charities and projects well into her retirement. Most notably she was a founder member of Skye and Lochalsh Housing Association, supporting the organisation for several years, as well as being instrumental in the establishment of the Skye and Lochalsh Community Care Forum, which launched the Young Carers Project in 2000. Pat was Chair of SLCCF until February 2018, and continues to be an active member of the fundraising team for the Young Carers Service.
Please join us in wishing Pat congratulations for a well deserved recognition.
You can read more about it here in the West Highland Free Press.
WHFP Willie Urquhart
Skye Flag
Huge congratulations to Calum Alasdair Munro for his winning design of the Isle of Skye flag! We like everyone else think it is brilliant and a lovely representation of Skye.
We wish to say a huge thank you to The West Highland Free Press for donating their proceeds from the flag to us! Your generosity will make such a difference to our young carers. Your continued support is greatly appreciated by us all, thank you!
Have you got your Skye flag from the West Highland Free Press yet?
https://www.whfp.com/skye-flag/
20th Anniversary!
How time flies! May 2020 marks the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers Service 20th Anniversary!
From humble beginnings with Marjory Jagger, Pat Walsh and Irene Mackay(Jagger) supporting 6 young carers to 6 members of staff and a bank of volunteers supporting around 80 young carers annually. Unbelievably 20 years later Marjory, Pat and Irene are all still very much a part of the service. As a service we are truly honoured to support the young carers of Skye and Lochalsh, both past and present. We had big things planned to celebrate this milestone but we have had to put this on hold — for now!
We are delighted to launch our temporary, celebratory logo! It was designed by our young carers to mark our 20th Anniversary and will be the logo we use for the next year (possibly 2 years, depending on the Covid-19 situation).We think you’ll agree the young carers have done a fantastic job!
Here’s to the next 20 years!
SLYC ON FACEBOOK
The fifth of our nominated beneficiaries for Highland Cross 2026![]()
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Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers ![]()
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The Skye and Lochalsh Community Care Forum SCIO is a registered charity, it established the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carer service in 2000.![]()
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The service supports young carers from 5 to 18 years of age who are at risk of underachieving as a result of providing care and support for a family member. These young carers in our community are geographically, financially and/or socially disadvantaged.![]()
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We provide opportunities for young carers to be children and young adults first. Through weekly support group activities and regular respite breaks they are able to put aside their worries and responsibilities and focus on fun and new experiences in a supportive environment.![]()
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Through skill development activities which link into practical experience on the respite breaks we promote personal safety, team working, confidence building and ambition. To ensure no young carer is disadvantaged by geography or financial restrictions we cover all transport and activity costs. We tailor our service provision to meet the needs of individual young carers; some need regular one to one support for respite and skill development activities due to their own difficulties/chronic illness/disability or condition.![]()
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Having a new minibus in will increase reliability of our services and maximise opportunities for young people in Skye and Lochalsh. This minibus will significantly reduce our existing running costs which will help to make our service more sustainable in the longer term.
Our Spring Concerts! We're doing things a bit differently this year, so the same exciting and beautiful pieces of music will be played at two different venues. Entry is free, as we're not charging for tickets, but instead are asking for donations. Any profits will be divided between two very worthy local charities, who both have building projects. The Young Carers in Portree and The Men's Shed in Broadford are helping local people at both ends of the age range.![]()
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We look forward to entertaining you on the 6th or 7th of March!
Come and join us on the 28th February at Waterish Hall for our Soup and Pudding Event.
SKYE & LOCHALSH YOUNG CARER SERVICE![]()
(MANAGED BY S&L COMMUNITY CARE FORUM SCIO)![]()
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Young Carers Support Worker![]()
Initial 6 month contract with extension dependant on continued funding, however the service has a very strong 26-year funding success record![]()
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Salary: £13.50 - £15.00 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications) ![]()
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Main Base: Portree ![]()
Hours: 20 hours per week ![]()
Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement of 37 days (pro rata)![]()
Workplace pension![]()
Training as required![]()
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We invite you to apply for a very rewarding job within the well established and respected Young Carers’ Service. ![]()
In this role you will assist the staff and volunteer team in planning and delivering a wide range of activities to support and empower young carers.![]()
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Driving licence essential![]()
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Opportunity to undertake the necessary qualifications at SVQ level 3, if required.![]()
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It is essential that you meet all legal requirements relating to working with young people, including membership of the Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme. ![]()
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Closing Date: 12 noon, 27th February 2026![]()
Interviews: W/C 2nd March 2026![]()
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For enquiries and application pack please contact:![]()
Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers’ Service, ![]()
Victoria Cottage, ![]()
Hedgefield Road, ![]()
Portree, ![]()
IV51 9GF ![]()
Telephone 01478 613617 ![]()
Email: office.youngcarers@gmail.com
