In a remote island community far from major healthcare facilities, Cobhair Bharraigh provides essential support for former seafarers living with dementia and their families. As they age, many seafarers revert to speaking Gaelic, Cobhair Bharraigh has bilingual staff to ensure inclusive care.
For nearly a decade, care services manager Margaret Ann Beggs has been at the heart of Cobhair Bharraigh, a charity providing vital support to the retired seafarers of Barra and Vatersay, remote islands in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Seafaring runs through the veins of the islanders. As Margaret Ann says, “There’s not a single family on this island that doesn’t have at least one seafarer.”
Cobhair Bharraigh operates a daycare centre with space for 13 people. Many of the staff are bilingual. “If someone's telling a story in Gaelic, one of our carers can translate it into English so that everybody can laugh along”, Margaret Ann adds.
The charity also provides home support services so elderly residents can remain in their homes for longer, and their family can enjoy respite breaks.
One of Cobhair Bharraigh’s most successful initiatives is its Men’s Club. Margaret Ann explains that many single men who spent their lives at sea struggle with isolation and find it difficult to form lasting connections on the island.
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We try and get them to come into daycare as opposed to just doing home support because an hour is not going to help anybody much if they're isolated. We’re a toe in the door, inviting them down to see what we're like, and telling them you might even enjoy the cakes!”
Margaret Ann
Cobhair Barraigh’s Manager
The group also provides a “well-man clinic,” where they can have their blood pressure checked and receive basic health advice.
Providing medical care on an island like Barra comes with unique challenges. The nearest major hospital is on the Isle of Lewis, meaning that local solutions are essential. Cobhair Bharraigh has adapted by ensuring that all its carers receive palliative care training. Carers can provide end-of-life support for those who wish to remain in their homes.
The Seafarers’ Charity is delighted to support this vital work with a £15,000 grant towards Cobhair Bharriagh's core costs. Our funding helps provide what Margaret Ann calls “the warm blanket of care” for elderly seafarers living with mental, physical or sensory impairment, allowing them to live with dignity.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons
