Western Isles Quality Of Life Initiative

How Can I Get Involved

Anyone can get involved. Individuals, businesses, school groups all have something to contribute, no matter how small.

If you have an idea to improve life locally which you would like to see put into practice, why not get in touch and see how we can develop it together.

Alternatively you may already be doing something which might be of interest to others. Why not share your idea? Perhaps you would like to know more about what's happening in Western Isles. Contact: Helen Mackenzie

There are many ways in which quality of life can be improved:

Use resources more efficiently

• One of the most common ways which people generally adopt is by recycling waste eg bottles and newspapers. There are now facilities throughout the islands to accommodate this. . Through the Area Waste Plan, the Comhairle, SEPA, WIE and other partners, are looking at ways to minimise the amount of waste we produce.
• Some people decide to walk or cycle instead of using their car or perhaps share car journeys with others that work at the same place. This saves on petrol consumption, reduces emissions of CO2 gases and reduces the amount of land required for parking.

Look out for others who may need a little help

• Looking out for a neighbour who lives alone and may need a little assistance can help them to live an independent life. It also provides them with some social contact. There are people and voluntary groups within the Western Isles who would welcome additional help. Why not contact the Western Isles Volunteer Centre on 01851 707270 and see what you can do to help?

Improve your health and the health of the planet

• Taking even a little exercise can improve your health and if you join a class there's an opportunity to meet new people. (See CNES Sports page and CNES Countryside Access.)
• Using local produce, often grown organically, can be healthy as well as helping the local economy. Why not try growing a few vegetables of your own?
• Giving a little thought to which plants you grow in the garden can help to attract birds and insects and assist with maintaining the wide biodiversity of the Western Isles. (See CNES Biodiversity pages.)