Penumbra Western Isles

04/05/2026

💜 European Mental Health Week (4–8 May) 💜
Stronger Together: Prioritise Mental Health in a Changing Europe

Living and working in the Western Isles, we know that community is everything. Whether separated by land, sea or borders, connection, care and shared understanding are at the heart of good mental health support.

This European Mental Health Week, we’re reflecting on how local communities like ours are part of something much bigger. Across Scotland and Europe, organisations are coming together to share learning, stand up for rights-based mental health support, and champion recovery in all its forms.

Last summer, colleagues from Psichikos sveikatos perspektyvos (Mental Health Perspectives) in Lithuania visited Penumbra services across Scotland, including our Edinburgh Crisis Centre. The visit was a powerful reminder that while our countries, cultures and landscapes may differ, the core values of mental health support remain the same - dignity, compassion, lived experience and the belief that people can build meaningful lives on their own terms.

Here in the Western Isles, where geography can bring both beauty and challenge, community-led, recovery-focused support is vital. The conversations happening across Europe this week echo what we see every day locally: that we are stronger when we learn from one another and work together.

Tha tòrr rudan a’ tachairt air feadh na Roinn Eòrpa tron ​​t-seachdain - lean Mental Health Europe airson tachartasan, beachdan agus ionnsachadh co-roinnte:

🔗 https://www.mentalhealtheurope.org/

20/04/2026

Our team at Self-Harm Network Scotland offers a safe, compassionate space for anyone aged 12+ who self-harms, feels they might, or is worried about someone else.

Their trained Peer Practitioners provide free, confidential one-to-one support, delivered remotely, making it easier to access help wherever you are in the islands 💜

They also offer an anonymous live webchat every evening, alongside a range of helpful resources for individuals, family members, friends, and professionals.

If you'd like to connect with someone, you can self-refer using their contact form here: https://selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/contact-us/

Faodaidh e a bhith doirbh a bhith a’ sìneadh a‑mach, ach dh’fhaodadh gur e sin a’ chiad cheum gu bhith a’ faireachdainn taic agus tuigse ✨



NHS Western Isles

17/04/2026

⚽☕ Walking Football - Move, Chat & Have a Laugh! ☕⚽

Ball‑coise Coiseachd – Gluais, cabadaich is gabh gàire!

Interested in Walking Football?

These sessions are all about gentle exercise, good company and having fun. We play walking football for around 45 minutes every Tuesday, followed by a cuppa, a biscuit and a good chat together 💜.

✅ A relaxed, supportive environment
✅ Great for physical & mental wellbeing
✅ Builds social connections
✅ Lots of laughs along the way

✨ Free for people supported by Penumbra Mental Health

📍 Stornoway Sports Centre
⌚ Every Tuesday (12pm - 12:45pm)

NHS Western Isles

03/03/2026

We're delighted to share that NHS Western Isles has awarded £18,000 in capital grant funding to Penumbra Mental Health to support the refurbishment of our Stornoway base.

This vital funding will help create safe, welcoming access throughout the building, improve indoor space for 1:1 and group support, and transform the outdoor area into a place where creative wellbeing activities can flourish. The base also supports the Western Isles Association for Mental Health and its Catch 23 service, meaning the benefits will be felt across the wider community.

As a not-for-profit charity, every investment makes a real difference - helping more people even in the most rural areas access personalised, recovery-focused mental health support close to home.

Shaun Macaulay-Davidson, Head of Programmes said: "Mar bhuidheann charthannais nach eil airson prothaid, tha gach sgillinn a gheibh sinn dha-rìribh a’ dèanamh diofar don taic as urrainn dhuinn a thabhann.

"Tha sinn air leth toilichte na maoinean seo a chleachdadh gus cothrom nas fheàrr a thoirt air ar bunait ann an Steòrnabhagh, gus am bi e nas fhasa do dhaoine tighinn còmhla agus ceangal a dhèanamh ri taic slàinte inntinn is sunnd. A-nis gu bheil an obair deiseil, cùm sùil a-mach airson na tha ri thighinn."

"As a not-for-profit charity, every penny we receive really makes a difference to the support we can offer. We are delighted ro use these funds to improve access to our Stornoway base, making it easier for people to come together and connect with mental health and wellbeing support. Now that the work is complete, keep an eye out for what's to come." 💬

Penumbra is deeply grateful to NHS Western Isles for this generous capital grant and for recognising the vital role third sector organisations play in supporting mental health across our communities. This investment not only strengthens our Stornoway base but also demonstrates a shared commitment to improving wellbeing, reducing barriers to access, and ensuring people across the Western Isles can receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. 💜

26/02/2026

📢 Ma tha ùidh agaibh ann a beagan eacarsaich socair tha ball coise coiseachd a'dol gach seachdainn aig Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais.

If you are interested in gentle exercise there is a walking football session held once a week at Lewis Sports Centre. Attendance is FREE for people supported by Penumbra Mental Health or with a Slàinte Mhath membership!

📆 Tuesdays
⏰ 12:00 - 12:45
📍 Lewis Sports Centre

Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer...Research also shows that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress.

Our walking football sessions provide gentle exercise and social interaction in a fun, friendly environment. Join us for a brew and a blether afterwards.

NHS Western Isles
Western Isles Notice Board

22/08/2025

19/08/2025

🎪 Come along to our FREE Family Fun day this Saturday! 12-2pm

💒 at The Shed & Martin's

🏰 inflatables & baby soft play

🍔 bbq, ☕️ teas & 🍰 baking

🎨 face painting

🖼 crafts

18/08/2025

Amazing Steven Williams !!!
Steven and David Allan completed the half marathon yesterday, to raise funds for Penumbra Western Isles !!
Well done Steven, all your training paid off, you smashed it!!

13/08/2025

Try this simple grounding exercise. Don't forget to revisit it every time you feel it could do some good 💙

You can find similar tips on our relaxation info page here ➡️ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/