A Month of Inspiring and Learning Published on 21^st November 2024

Here’s a thorough view into the past months activities inside the Dunbeath & District Centre, starting back in July and ending just this week. This is expanding upon the short recap that has gone onto social media.

Empowering Women’s Health:

Kirsteen recently visited to discuss crucial menstrual health conditions affecting women, including Endometriosis, PCOS, and pelvic congestion syndrome. The North Highland Women’s Wellness Hub is on a mission to raise awareness, ensure quicker diagnoses, and improve treatment options for women’s health. A key focus of their efforts is reintroducing comprehensive gynaecology services at Caithness General Hospital, along with much-needed maternity care. They believe that the absence of these services is a breach of human rights, and they are passionately advocating for change.

Our users were highly engaged during the talk, with Kirsteen providing a wealth of informative leaflets on topics ranging from the conditions mentioned to heart attack symptoms in women, post-surgical care, menopause, and more. It was an enlightening experience, and we would be thrilled to welcome the Hub back in the future.

Unveiling Caithness History:

Valerie recently gave an insightful presentation to our users about the fascinating work of the Nucleus, the nuclear and Caithness archive. As its name suggests, the archive holds a vast collection of nuclear records, not just from our local NRS Dounreay site but from across the entire country, reflecting the significant role Dounreay has played in the Caithness community.

In addition to nuclear records, the archive is a treasure trove of Caithness history, housing everything from census data and newspapers to school logbooks, with some records dating as far back as 1469. These documents are vital for piecing together the rich history of Caithness, and the archive staff are passionate about helping people uncover the stories they hold. They also enjoy curating showcases of various records, spotlighting unique documents like harbourmaster logs, war papers, and items tied to special national days—most recently, National Radio Day.

Our users were captivated by Valerie’s talk, with some attending specifically to learn more about the archives. They were particularly delighted to hear stories that connected directly back to Dunbeath. We look forward to welcoming Valerie and the Nucleus team back for more history and stories in the future!

Reviving Ancient Heritage:

Ken from the Caithness Broch Project recently gave an inspiring presentation to our users about the project’s mission to spark interest in archaeology and explore the rich history of Caithness. One of their most ambitious goals is to recreate a full-scale broch, creating a new attraction for both tourists and locals.

Ken shared his personal journey into archaeology, his deep connection to charity work, and how this project, which started as a dream between two friends, has grown into a passionate volunteer-driven movement. The team is dedicated to uncovering all of Caithness’ broch sites, bringing the past to life for future generations.

The Big Broch Build is well underway, with the team identifying a piece of land they hope to acquire in the new year, aiming to begin construction by 2027. Although timelines may shift, this project promises to be a significant boost for the local community and economy, attracting more tourists to our stunning landscape.

Our users thoroughly enjoyed Ken’s presentation, filled with insightful information and a few good laughs.

Enhancing Digital Skills:

John Riach, the adult learning coordinator from High Life Highland, recently led an engaging IT class for our users, offering valuable insights into the world of technology. The session, which took place from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, attracted eight eager participants, all keen to expand their digital skills.

Throughout the class, John provided clear, patient guidance on various IT topics, from basic troubleshooting to advanced tips. His approachable teaching style made it easy for participants to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the technology they use daily. The class was highly valued, boosting users’ confidence in their IT abilities.

We’re thrilled to announce that John will be returning in a few weeks to continue answering more questions and helping our users further enhance their tech skills. This ongoing opportunity for learning and growth has our users eagerly anticipating the next session, and we can’t wait to see what new insights John will bring!