The charities

There are numerous worthy and deserving charities in the Western Isles and it was very difficult to select just 2 to support. I hope that you will read some of the information that I have provided about my chosen charities and be persuaded to make a donation (see 'How To Donate' page). All funds raised will be split 50 - 50 between the respective charities.

Tapadh leibh!

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

The RNLI is a registered charity that saves lives at sea.

It provides the 24 hour on-call service to cover search and rescue requirements out to 100 nautical miles from the coast of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Fundraising is vital to the RNLI, it is independent from Government and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for it's income.

Lifeboat crews are mostly volunteers, who come from all walks of life, and give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues and save lives at sea on the lifeboats.

With over 4,800 lifeboat crew members in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, of which over 340 are women, lifeboat crews are dedicated and make a major commitment -- which could ultimately include risking their life. They respond at a moment's notice, no matter where they are or what they are doing when the pager goes off. Crews are regularly called away from their families, their beds and their work, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Often they'll leave a place of comfort to brave the cold and wet in situations that test their skill, strength and courage. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous.

The RNLI has an active fleet of over 330 lifeboats at over 230 lifeboat stations, 2 of which are located in the Western Isles:

• Stornoway Lifeboat Station, Isle of Lewis
  RNLB 'Tom Sanderson' (Severn Class)
• Barra Lifeboat, Isle of Barra
  RNLB 'Edna Windsor' (Severn Class)

SOME FACTS:

• since the RNLI was founded in 1824, it's lifeboats have saved more than 137,00 lives
• it costs around £335,00 per day to run the RNLI (all donations remember!
• last year RNLI lifeboats rescued more than 8,000 people, an average of 22 people per day
• 8% of the entire life boat crew (UK & RoE) are women
• there are 5 different types of all-weather lifeboat: Severn, Mersey, Tamar, Trent, Tyne.

Read more: www.rnli.org.uk

Western Isles Association For Mental Health (WIAMH)

Around 1 in 4 people will have a diagnosable mental illness at some time in their lives.

WIAMH is a group of people in the Western Isles who have an interest in mental health, either through personal experience, or as carers, or friends of people with mental illnesses, or through some other interest. WIAMH aim to provide a range of services for people with mental health problems and their carers in partnership with other organisations.

WIAMH work in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations, through representations on the Western Isles Mental Health Partnership. They also have links with mental health organisations in other areas and nationally.

WIAMH is funded by Western Isles NHS Board, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, grants, fundraising, donations and membership subscriptions.

One of the services provided by WIAMH is 'Catch 23',a drop-in centre which is located in Stornoway. It provides an informal, relaxed and safe place for people to meet without the fear of being judged by the stigma of mental health and the issues that surround it. It has 2 part-time staff who are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Read more: www.wiamh.org