In a remote island community far from major healthcare facilities, Cobhair Bharraigh provides essential support for people living with dementia - many of whom revert to speaking Gaelic as they age - with bilingual staff ensure no one is excluded.
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 islands’ families, including her own. As Margaret Ann puts it, “There’s not a single family on this island that doesn’t have at least one seafarer.”
Cobhair Bharraigh operates a daycare centre, accommodating up to 13 people per day. It Margaret Ann feels it’s important that no one feels left out, so 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”, she adds.
Cobhair Bharraigh also provides home support services seven days a week, ensuring that elderly residents remain in their homes for longer. They also offer regular respite breaks for family caregivers.
One of Cobhair Bharraigh’s most successful initiatives is its Men’s Club, specifically designed for former seafarers. 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.
“
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 tell 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.
However, providing medical care on an island like Barra comes with unique challenges. The nearest major healthcare facilities are 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, enabling them to provide end-of-life support for those who wish to remain in their homes.
The Seafarers’ Charity is delighted to support its vital work with a £15000 grant towards its core costs as part of our improved health and wellbeing strategic outcome. Our funding enables Cobhair Bharriagh to continue to 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
