New building improvements at Hillcrest House

Capital grant funding from NHS Western Isles has enabled Action for Children to replace external doors and windows at Hillcrest House in Stornoway.

Hillcrest is a five-bedroom residential home based in Stornoway for care experienced children and young people who are unable to stay at home. The service also offers short breaks for those with additional support needs who may benefit from some time away from home.  

The charity’s work supports children and young people to improve relationships and participate in community life, with access to a wide range of agencies including health, advocacy and education.

Hillcrest provides a safe and nurturing environment where children and young people from across the Western Isles can feel valued and supported. To maintain this vital service, the building must serve the high-quality care delivered reflecting the needs of those it supports.

An extension was added to Hillcrest in the late 1990s and the building has faced the harsh Hebridean weather during that time making the replacement an important step.

NHS Western Isles awarded Action for Children £25,000 in capital grant funding to replace the previous windows with modern UPVC alternatives. This investment will help ensure the continued safety and comfortable environment for the children and young people who use the service.

Debbie Bozkurt, NHS Western Isles Director of Finance and Procurement/ Chief Finance Officer of the Integrated Joint Board, NHS Westen Isles, said: “The children and young people who benefit from the services at Hillcrest House need a warm and loving home. We are pleased to support these important improvements and know they will help make their time at the service more comfortable."

Valerie Russell, Children’s Services Manager, Action for Children, said: “We’re delighted the new windows are now fitted and look fabulous. The rooms seem brighter and the windows are a great improvement.

“It will really benefit the children and young people who use our service. It’s been lovely hearing visitors commenting on the difference including those who call Hillcrest their home.”

Volunteering with Action for Children is a meaningful way to help some of the most vulnerable children and families in the Western Isles, if you would like to find out more visit: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/support-us/volunteer-with-us/

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.