Two charities will benefit from the success of West Word in the Highlands and Islands Media Awards.

The community paper for Mallaig, Morar, Arisaig, Lochailort, Glenfinnan, Glenuig, Knoydart and the Small Isles, won the title of Community Newspaper of the Year at the prestigious ceremony in February.

Editor Ceri Perkins decided to split the £100 charity element of the £300 prize between the RNLI and The Listening Walk, two charities with deep local connections.

Ceri says the RNLI is a palpable presence around much of the paper’s catchment area.

“In the coastal villages and among the Small Isles, everyone is used to seeing the lifeboat going back and forth. Most people know someone (or several!) who volunteers on the crew to save lives at sea.

“At the same time, many people don’t realise that, unlike the ambulance or police services, the RNLI is completely reliant on charitable donations.”

Lifeboat press officer Jessica Logan said: “RNLI Mallaig lifeboat station is delighted to receive this donation from our local prize winners West Word.

“The station has had a long-standing relationship with the community paper so we are pleased to see their efforts recognised by this award.

“Every donation made to the RNLI goes towards saving lives at sea, thank you.”

The Listening Walk is an initiative by Knoydart local David Matthews.

“For the past 15 years, David has been a ‘listening volunteer’, someone who picks up the phone at a Samaritans branch (or opens an email on Knoydart) and offers a gentle, non-judgmental ear to callers in the midst of mental and emotional crisis”, said Ceri.

David is currently walking 6,000 miles around the UK, doing a telephone shift in each of the UK’s 200+ Samaritans branches, to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

It is the second time he’s done this; the first walk was in 2019, and in 2025 he was awarded an MBE for his services to the Samaritans.

“This has particular resonance in our area, where long dark winters and social isolation can be challenging”, says Ceri.

David said: “There are so many good causes in the surrounding area so it’s amazing that West Word decided to donate half of their prize money to The Listening Walk. Something for which I’m incredibly grateful for.”

There is one article still to be done, re The Orcadian. They have yet to decide on their charity so the article will follow when ready

A Shetland journalist’s award-winning success will also help an island wildlife charity.

Daniel Shailer enjoyed a headline-grabbing night at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards in February, scooping four titles.

The freelance reporter, writing for the Shetland Times, was named Diageo Journalist of the Year, having also secured the Business Reporter of the Year, Young Reporter of the Year and Best Feature of the Year titles.

The Journalist of the Year honour includes a £500 prize, with £300 going to charity.

Daniel chose to support the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, which was founded in 1987 to provide expert care and refuge to hundreds of seals, otters and other marine mammals.

He said: “It’s not uncommon these days for seals stranded in Orkney to find themselves on a ferry north towards the safe hands at Hillswick.

“With marine pollution on the rise and climate change bringing ever worse storms to the Northern Isles, Hillswick are busier than ever and I’m proud to be able to support their work.”

Pete Bevington, whose late wife Jan founded the charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to Daniel for his generosity and for thinking of us when it came to choosing a charity for his donation.

“He has been a stalwart campaigner for the environment since he has been reporting in Shetland and we very much appreciate the valuable work he has been doing in this field.”

Nairn Beach Wheelchairs (NBW) will continue and expand their vital service with the help of a donation from HIPBMA.

The community-run charity, set up in 2025, is made up of nearly 30 dedicated volunteers who help make Nairn Beach accessible to everyone.

It is one of four charities which each received £850 from our fundraising efforts at HIPBMA on February.

The money will be put towards ongoing training for the volunteers in understanding disabilities, safeguarding and supporting visitors to have the best day out.

The charity will also deeper its commitment to inclusion by exploring options with the community, such as sand rollators for people who would still like to walk, and wheelchairs that float so people can get into the sea too.

Funds will also go towards ensuring equipment is safe and serviced regularly.

Amelia Williamson, chair of NBW, said: “We’re very excited to be opening up for our second year.

“We are fortunate to have huge community following and support, and endeavour to make our wonderful coastline more accessible to people with disabilities of all kinds.

“This year we are hoping to see beach wheelchairs being used for community activities such as beach clean ups or nature walks.”

A donation from HIPBMA to a charity helping people after pregnancy, baby or infant loss comes at a time when its support is needed more than ever.

Held In Our Hearts provides free, specialist, trauma-informed, early-intervention Hospital to Home support, specialist counselling and long-term peer support.

Referrals are increasing, with 113 so far this year compared to 63 in the same period in 2025.

The charity’s Hospital to Home worker in the Highlands, Magi, drives the length and breadth of the Highlands visiting bereaved families in their own homes.

The charity says HIPBMA’s donation doesn’t just fund a role, it ensures that year-round, every bereaved family in the community has someone to turn to after their baby dies.

Christina, Head of Fundraising for Held In Our Hearts, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be one of HIPBMA’s charity partners this year.

“At a time when charities are desperately seeking new funding streams and tightening purse strings, partnerships like this are so impactful.

“With referrals continuing to increase, funding for our services has never been more important.

“We are incredibly grateful to HIPBMA for championing our community and getting behind our mission to ensure no one in Scotland faces baby loss alone.

“We are always looking for supporters, corporate partners and fundraisers – please do reach out if you or your business would like to get involved.”

The charity is also to host a Full Moon Firewalk at Daviot Steading on October 25, in collaboration with MikeysLine.

The event features participants walking barefoot across glowing hot coals to raise funds for both lifeline charities.

A donation from the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards will help with the running of a charity’s pioneering service in Inverness.

Centred Scotland is one of four charities which each received £850 from our fundraising efforts at HIPBMA on February.

Centred will put the money directly to help fund the Discovery College, its free, drop-in service in Inverness which supports people with mental ill-health, substance abuse and addiction issues.

The centre is the first of its kind in the region. There is no GP referral or appointment required, and all trained staff and volunteers have lived experience, ensuring there is no judgement, just understanding and support.

Christine Butchart, Centred’s brand marketing manager, said: “This service receives no statutory funding, so relies on donations and fundraising to continue.

“Keeping this service free is paramount to ensure there are no barriers to seeking help and support, and this donation will help us continue this important work.”

Vital research into Parkinson’s disease has been given a boost with a donation from HIPBMA.

Our fundraising efforts at the event in February has meant four local charities each receive £850.

Parkinson’s UK Scotland will put the money towards research into the condition.

Bruce Port, community fundraiser ‑ East & Highlands, Scotland, for Parkinson’s UK, said: “Thanks to your donation, people affected by Parkinson’s are going to get the support they need, and we can continue to fund vital research.

“£100 provides tailored and expert information and support to a person with Parkinson’s for six months, through our Parkinson’s Local Adviser service in Scotland.

“Furthermore, £110 funds a researcher for a day to prepare samples of brain tissue that can be analysed to find clues as to what causes Parkinson’s.”

Around 13,000 people in Scotland are living with Parkinson’s, and that number is rising.