Tea Break: Kate Lewis

In our fortnightly feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This week, we welcome Crossroads' Service Manager, Kate, who is new to her current role, but not to exploring the island

What’s your story so far?

Although I have been working regular hours for Crossroads as a care attendant for several years, I never expected to find myself in the role of manager, and I am doing my best to fill the very capable boots of Marion Macdonald who has been helming Crossroads ship up until recently.

I am better known for my work with young people. You may well have come across me at The Scaladale Centre, where I have taken countless groups of children coasteering, kayaking, gorge scrambling and generally having fun in the wild outdoors.

I love helping people to access the beautiful landscape of Harris, and teaching them about the wildlife and history. Although I am originally a native of Cornwall, England, I am a convert to Harris, and I continue to explore it thoroughly, picking my neighbours’ and friends’ brains to hear all about the history and learn more about this natural environment.

I explore by foot, sea kayak, and even in the sea with my mask and snorkel! Some of you may have read ‘Following Rocks’ an account of my long walk from Mangerstadh to Miabhag nam Beann, which was serialised in Dè tha dol? last year.

As an ex-teacher for young people with a whole range of additional support needs, where I was managing a team of 13 teaching assistants back in Cornwall, I do have some useful skills to bring to my new role at Crossroads.

What does Crossroads Harris do?

Crossroads Care Harris provides a vital lifeline for those whose lives are significantly impacted by caring for family members. We have a fleet of fantastic local care assistants who visit those in need of care or company for a few hours each week. This allows the primary care givers, whether they be spouse, offspring, or parents, some much needed time out. We also spend time with those who are elderly and living alone. This allows individuals to remain living independently in their own homes sometimes right up until the end of their lives, if this is what they wish to do. We also provide company and support to those who do not have family members close by.

What are you looking forward to about this job?

I am so proud to be working with this brilliant team. My favourite part of the job is visiting all our clients and their carers for their 6 monthly reviews. This is when I hear just how wonderful our care attendants are, and what a difference they make to the

lives of their clients.

For someone who likes to explore Harris and hear plenty of stories about the old days, this is the perfect job.

I have visits to make from Rhenigeadale to Leverburgh and everywhere in between. It is also a fab job for someone that likes to sample scones and oat cakes! Being Cornish born and bred I can bash out a decent scone myself, but I am in awe of the beautiful crumbly oat cakes, both sweet and savoury, that are baked by some of the families I visit.

How do you spend your free time?

In my time off I am usually doing my best to tire out my bouncy dalmation, Taran. One way to do this is to head off on my mountain bike with him running alongside. We love the track up to Ulladale, and the path through from Miabhag Nam Beann to Bogha Glas. You might also catch me getting my wetsuit on ready for a surf at Scarista, sometimes even snatching an hour or two in the waves between my Crossroads visits!

- For more information or to make a donation, go to www.crossroadsisleofharris.co.uk

- If you would like to make use of the service, or suggest someone who would benefit, referrals can be made via local health professionals.