Home Safety Project

The Western Isles Home Safety Project is managed by Tighean Innse Gall and currently operates throughout Lewis and Harris. The project is currently funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles NHS, and works closely with occupational therapists from Western Isles NHS. The project is now in its third year. The project covers the whole of the Western Isles and:

•Endeavours to prevent the main causes of falls with the elderly in their homes

• Contributes to the reduction in the number of accidents in the home- preventing hospitalisation

• Increases the safety and comfort of the elderly, to help independence in the community

• Improves fire safety in the home and undertakes domestic portable electrical appliance testing

• Provides advice to the elderly on home safety matters eg loose cables, rugs etc

• Refers people to other agencies to improve their safety and comfort eg Care and Repair, Scottish Executive Central Heating Scheme, Warm Deal and Occupational Therapists, Home Carers etc. This can help with repairs to the home, new central heating syatem, insulation in the home, etc.


Thanks to additional funding from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, we are now in a position to install temporary steel ramps for the use of people who might be returning home after an illness or operation from hospital.

Fire safety is a vital issue and valuable advice can be given to prevent fires in the home as well as providing and fitting fire and Carbon Monoxide detectors. In addition, referrals can also be made to Faire (community alarm system), TEAS & Taigh Blath. Smaller items such as grab and handrails can be fitted. We are now in a position to install ramps very quickly. These require a referral by an occupational therapist.

Community Nurses, Home Carers, Occupational Therapists and GPs can make referrals to The Home Safety Project.

If you or someone you know might benefit from this service and are is 60 or over, disabled or has a serious medical condition, please contact Donnie MacDonald who is the Home Safety Officer. Donnie can be contacted on 01851 706 121 and he is based in TIGs offices at 41a Point Street, Stornoway.

Feedback from our clients:

"Excellent system which will be of benefit to the elderly population"

“Thoroughly delighted, have peace of mind now, wonderful”

“I feel much safer now, and now know what not to do”

“Your project shows concern for the elderly, especially those living alone"

“It’s a pity it’s just for the elderly or disabled”