Local charities often have a deep understanding of specific community needs, ensuring that your donations are effectively used where they’re needed most. Contributions to food banks, shelter organisations, and youth programs help create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone. Beyond immediate aid, your donations also foster a cycle of giving, building a stronger, more resilient community that thrives on shared kindness and support.
This Christmas, let’s spread the cheer beyond our own homes by supporting worthy charities across Argyll, Lochaber and the Islands to make Christmas more comfortable and memorable. A small donation or a few items from the shop can make all the difference to those facing difficult times.
Oban Hospice: The Dove Centre
The Dove Centre operates on a drop-in basis and provides help, companionship and advice for people with cancer and certain life-limiting conditions. It offers a friendly and informal environment where people can access peer groups and one to one information and support. If we are unable to support you at this time, we will try our best to help you access another service in the community.
Community Support
We aim to provide a person-centred service which is led by the unique needs of everyone. We offer support from diagnosis, by helping individuals and their carers access services that may help. At times of crisis, we can offer emotional support when it is often easier to speak to someone out with family and friends.
Cáirdeas Befriending Service
Our Cáirdeas Befriending service . If you know someone who would benefit from our Befriending Service, please contact the Dove Centre.
Volunteers
If you would like to support others in our community by becoming a volunteer, please either drop in to the Dove Centre at 24 Stevenson, Oban, or phone 01631 561315 for chat about the opportunities we have, you are always welcome.
Food Banks - Sharing is Caring
In Oban, Hope Kitchen not only provides food for those in need but also runs support groups and collaborates with other care organisations. They welcome donations and volunteers to help continue their vital work and have recently opened Re_Store in George Street – packed with affordable clothing, homewares, books, toys and much more, including rescued food that goes to great use . Also operating in Oban and throughout the region, Mary’s Meals, based in Dalmally, feeds millions of children worldwide, ensuring each child receives a nutritious meal at school, promoting both health and education.
In Lochgilphead, Moving On Mid Argyll (MO-MA) offers essential food parcels and “starter packs” for those moving into new accommodation, helping people find stability. West Lochfyneside Parish Church Foodshare at Inveraray Church Hall is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm.
Campbeltown’s Kintyre Food Bank and Tarbert Pantry also supply emergency food and essentials to residents, including their unique Soup Group to offer community warmth and nourishment.
On Mull, Mull and Iona Pantry provide essential supplies to island residents, while Solar Tiree Food Project on Tiree supports the community with discreet grocery vouchers for the Co-Op. For those on Islay, the food bank offers both welfare boxes with food and essentials and optional toiletries or baby supplies.
In Fort William, Lochaber Food Bank supports those facing sudden crises, ensuring that emergency food parcels and support are on hand, while Mallaig and Morar Community Association operates a community larder.
With these organisations, and the kindness of the people that run them, we have a chance to help make Christmas brighter across Argyll and Lochaber, providing support and comfort to those who need it most. Every small contribution adds up, strengthening the communities we call home.
For a full list of Food Banks and Food Share organisations, visit:
Argyll & Bute:
Highland:
Relationships that build resilence
Argyll and Bute Befrienders
Our goal is to create and cultivate nurturing relationships for young people. We recruit, train and support adult volunteers to act as befrienders for children and young people aged 6-18. Learn more about what we do, who we help, and how we work every day to make a difference.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.