HIGHLAND CROSS 2005 CHARITIES
     

EDEN COURT THEATRE AND CINEMA

Eden Court is a central cultural venue for the Highlands.  More than 160,000 people visit the venue yearly, making us one of the largest Scottish Charities based in the region.  Our aim is to promote access to the arts for everyone.  However, access to our building is limited for many people with disabilities, and this is a major challenge for us.

In 2005 Eden Court will close for 18 months.  During this time the building will be totally refurbished.  We will also add a second theatre, two new cinemas and drama studios.  This is a  unique opportunity to greatly improve facilities for people with disabilities, and to ensure the new building is truly inclusive.

With help from Highland Cross 2005 we can buy digital subtitling equipment for our new cinemas, plus dual channel infra-red systems which relay the film soundtrack to individuals with hearing difficulties.  This equipment can also be used for audio description, to help visually impaired people enjoy the film, or any other event being held in the cinema.  Our new second theatre would also benefit from having this equipment installed.

In addition, we hope to buy equipment and fittings to improve disabled access around our new front of house and backstage areas.  This includes hoist systems for shower rooms, adapted counters for box office and bar areas, and special alarm systems.

Funds raised by Highland Cross 2005 will make a real difference in the new Eden Court, and the Highland community will directly benefit for many years to come.

 

SHOPMOBILITY HIGHLAND

Shopmobility Highland are applying to Highland Cross for further funding to support their invaluable Wheelchair Service.  We have on average 1,200 annual users who enjoy freedom and independence in the town centres throughout the Highland area.

We have asked for funding for the Inverness Branch to update current equipment which has come to the end of its useful life.  This equipment is now 8 years old and has become too expensive to upkeep.  Therefore it is not as reliable as we, and our users desire.

For the Dingwall Branch a Molift hoist to facilitate easier handling of our users to and from their desired equipment.  Keeping in line with Health and Safety Regulations.  We have a similar hoist in Inverness which is used effectively and regularly within our everyday operation.  Through using a hoist everyone is protected and gives the users a feeling of security and dignity.  Therefore our Dingwall office staff and users will similarly benefit.

For the Mobile Unit, which transports our service to outlying areas and summer "shows and games", we require funding for six new scooters.  This is a well used service which travels from Nairn to Dornoch to provide equipment to numerous users who either cannot travel to Inverness or Dingwall or prefer to use the facilities in their own home situations.

In providing funds for Shopmobility Highland, Highland Cross would be benefiting the 1,200 annual users of this service.

 

CHEST, HEART AND STROKE SCOTLAND

Survivors of Stroke SOS Appeal Across Highland

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland is a partner in a Highland-wide project to help support improved care and services for individuals who have had a stroke.  The Survivors of Stroke Appeal is trying to raise funds and awareness to benefit patients and their families across Highland.

Having a stroke is one of the most alarming and devastating things that can happen to anyone.  it is the third most common cause of death in Scotland, and will happen to one quarter of us over the age of 45.  Each week, in Highland, around 10 people will have a new stoke.  Unlike almost any illness, the onset is sudden.  Some of the most basic things like talking, understanding, walking, dressing and driving can be stripped away overnight.  The struggle to cope and recover can be a life long journey.  But the outlook can be much more positive.

Additional funding is desperately needed.  In Lochaber, a specialist Community Rehabilitation Team has been set up.  Having an office where they can all be located and easily contacted is vital.  Profiling beds for Caithness General and Belford Hospital will reduce complications for patients.  Power wheel chairs will provide greater independence leading to improved morale - a key factor in helping people fight back.

Building specialist resources, skills and knowledge across Highland will help to make differences to patients and families.  The Appeal will help in many practical ways including the profile of stroke and stroke services in Highland.