Forums and Community Planning

At SLCVO, we facilitate and manage community forums where individuals and organisations come together to collaborate on a wide range of community-driven initiatives.

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We host collaborative projects, workshops, and events that encourage partnership, spark new ideas, and tackle the real challenges facing our communities.

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We also play a vital role in representing the third sector across Skye and Lochalsh — ensuring local organisations have a strong voice in community planning and in the development of health and social care strategies. Through our support and facilitation, third sector contributions are not just recognised — they help shape the future of services and decision-making across the region.

​Skye and Lochalsh Drug and Alcohol Forum

Led by SLCVO, this forum brings third sector organisations together to tackle key issues like substance misuse, community safety, and youth vulnerability. It’s a powerful space for collaboration, shared learning, and influencing change — both locally and regionally.

Meets quarterly – bringing organisations together four times a year to connect, share, and take action.

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Why it matters to the third sector:

• Spotlight on local expertise – Brings frontline knowledge into conversations that shape services and policy

• Real-time updates & learning – Stay connected with the latest developments, insights, and opportunities

• A stronger collective voice – Make sure third sector views are heard where it counts

• Innovation from the ground up – Drive new ideas and co-create solutions that reflect real community needs

Read more here

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The Lochalsh Collaboration

The Lochalsh Collaboration Forum is a space where third sector organisations and community councils come together to drive forward the Lochalsh Community Action Plan. Facilitated by SLCVO, it's all about shared goals, stronger networks, and local solutions that work.

Meets quarterly – four meetings per year, plus ongoing communication and collaboration between sessions.

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Why it matters to the third sector:

• Collaborate for impact – Connect with like-minded organisations to tackle shared challenges and deliver real change

• Shape local decisions – Influence policy and planning through direct links to key bodies like NHS Highland and Highland Council

• Showcase sector strengths – Highlight the critical role and achievements of the third sector in the local community

• Build trusted partnerships – Strengthen relationships that lead to better services, funding opportunities, and joint initiatives

Visit the Lochalsh Collaboration Website 

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Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Community Planning Partnership 

The Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross Community Planning Partnership (SLWR CPP) is a collaborative initiative that brings together public bodies, third sector organisations, and community representatives to address local priorities and improve outcomes across the region.

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SLCVO's Role:
As a key partner, SLCVO facilitates third sector involvement by:

• Supporting third sector organisations to engage with community planning processes

• Providing local intelligence to inform and encourage representation in consultations

• Connecting the local third sector to the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) Representation Pathway

• Organising thematic networking sessions to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange

Visit the Highland CPP website 

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The Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross District Planning Group (DPG)

The Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross District Planning Group (DPG) is a collaborative forum established under the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). Its primary role is to implement the strategic plan for integrating health and social care services within the region.

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SLCVO's Role:
As a key partner, SLCVO facilitates third sector involvement by:

• Representing Third Sector Interests: Ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of voluntary organisations are integral to planning discussions.

• Facilitating Communication: Acting as a conduit between the DPG and third sector entities, promoting transparency and information sharing.

• Encouraging Collaboration: Supporting partnerships between third sector organisations and statutory services to enhance service delivery and community wellbeing.

Visit the Highland Health and Social Care Website​

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The Skye and Lochalsh Third Sector Conference 2025

The Skye and Lochalsh Third Sector Conference 2025, organised by the Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO), took place on March 26 at the Portree Community Centre. This full-day event brought together community leaders, volunteers, and third sector professionals to explore collaborative approaches to health, wellbeing, welfare, and social care in rural Scotland. The programme featured keynote addresses, practical workshops on funding applications and community asset management, and showcases of local innovation, including projects by Kyleakin Connections and the KEYS Project. Interactive sessions emphasized amplifying rural voices and planning for sustainable community services, aligning with SLCVO’s ongoing Health, Wellbeing, and Welfare Collaboration initiative. Read more here

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If you would like more information about the  our services to connect with the third sector and communities in Skye and Lochalsh email SLCVO Chief Officer Jo Ford jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk or call 01478 612921.​