Chairman's Report

 Developing the Network

To develop the HCCF network so that it covers effectively all areas ' both in terms of geography and community care issues leading to a marked improvement in the lives of users and carers

What have we achieved?

Better geographical coverage

• HUG now has 13 branches with 260 members spread across the Highland area.
• Meetings take place in drop-in centres; hospitals; residential accommodation and people's homes ' in fact anywhere that people feel comfortable. Members also link in at a distance by phone and e-mail.
• Two new People First Groups in Caithness and Skye & Lochalsh brings the number in Highland to 6. Membership is open to anyone with a learning disability.
• The Skye & Lochalsh Forum now has a visible presence with an office in Somerled Square, Portree.
• Lochaber Community Care Forum and Voluntary Action Lochaber have continued to work together to support the network of 61Rural Links covering Lochaber. These are key contacts living in the community who bring information to communities and back to the Community Care Forum for action.
• Gairloch Forum has promoted the need for new Fora in Ullapool and Lochcarron and HCCF has begun to talk to community representatives.
• There is now a new Forum in Easter Ross and the Black Isle ' workshop style meetings move round different towns and villages to give more users and carers the chance to contribute.

Better coverage of community care issues

Skye & Lochalsh Forum has led the way in supporting a network of 30 young carers aged from 5 to 16 years. The project works with local schools focusing on raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes. Over the year young carers have:

• Taken part in Outward Bound Training Courses.
• Gained skills in First Aid and Moving & Handling.
• Gone away as a group and become more confident socially.
• Put their case to service providers which has led to information geared to young carers needs.
• Produced their own 'hands on' Information Packs.
• Had access to local counselling support.

Solutions to access problems have featured largely in the activities of the East and North & West Sutherland Community Care Fora.  A joint venture has resulted in the first Sutherland Access Panel being set up. Detailed information on the access problems of each village has been compiled.

Networks in Lochaber continue to thrive, with some now operating independently:

• The Community Car Scheme has organised 238 trips in 6 months and extends now to Ballachulish and Glencoe.
• A new Handyperson Scheme received funding.
• Talk Lochaber became independent and will be on the move.

 Exchanging Ideas
 Awareness Raising
 Building Relationships
 Involving People
 Independent Advocacy
 Spreading the Word
 Work with Other Agencies
 Evaluating Our Work
 Funding 2000 / 2001

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