Local CHSS volunteers making a difference in the Western Isles! 26 June 2017 …press release…press release….press release… A tea party was held in Lewis on Tuesday 6th June to celebrate Volunteers’ Week and thank Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s volunteers for all the time and hard work that they put in and the huge difference they make to the lives of people in the Western Isles. Sonja MacLeod, Rehabilitation Support Coordinator, Western Isles, who organised the tea party said, “It was a great celebration and such a lovely opportunity to thank all our volunteers for the support that they offer to people in the local community. Their invaluable time helps support people in the Western Isles who need to get their lives back on track after suffering chest, heart or stroke illness. They really are the “golden thread” running through the organisation helping to bring communities together.” The group were joined by Cllr Norrie Tomsh MacDonald who came along to offer his words of thanks. Cllr MacDonald said, “Volunteering is a win win situation! It’s hugely rewarding for everyone, not only can your time make a real difference to people living in your local community it can also be good for your own health. I would recommend it to anyone!” One such volunteer whose invaluable time and efforts have made a huge difference and positively impacted the lives of people in Stornoway is Danny. Danny has been volunteering with CHSS in both Lewis and Harris for several years. After suffering a stroke 13 years ago and receiving little support he felt passionate about helping others get their lives back on track. Peter and Danny’s befriending relationship began in August 2016 when they would meet for coffee and go to the local library together. Danny also supported Peter through bigger changes in his life for example when he moved out of his caravan and into a flat nearer to the local amenities in Stornoway. He took the time to listen to Peter and find out what really mattered to him, making sure that his beloved companion, Puddy Cat, also made the move. Peter said, “Danny has been very helpful all the way. I think his own stroke experience gave him a deeper understanding of how I was feeling and he has really helped my recovery. I don’t know what I would have done without him.” Danny shared his thoughts on volunteering, “I have found my volunteer role with CHSS hugely rewarding. Giving someone like Peter just a little bit of support, encouragement and time can make such a difference to their life.” If you are interested in supporting someone who is living with Stroke or Cardiac Conditions in your community please contact Sonja on email: sonja.macleod@chss.org.uk or call: 07860271590. ENDS Photo 1 caption: (L-R) Cllr Norrie Tomsh MacDonald, CHSS volunteer Danny MacKay and his wife Norma MacKay, who also volunteers for CHSS, enjoying the celebrations! Photo 2 caption: (L-R) Peter MacLean, Danny MacKay. Peter MacLean (right) doesn’t know what he would have done without the support from CHSS volunteer Danny MacKay (left) Photo 3 caption: (L-R) CHSS volunteers Heather Board, Shona MacIntyre and Ann Anderson at the tea party! Photo 4 caption: (L-R) CHSS volunteers Marion Smith, Alison Tunstall, Norma Murray and Shona MacIntyre Media enquiries: Katy Aitken Press Officer , tel: 0131 225 6963 Email: katy.aitken@chss.org.uk Date: 9th June 2017 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 2nd Floor, Hobart House 80 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1EL