International Charity Day 2024
Over the years, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has proudly partnered with numerous organisations to support their fundraising efforts—whether through official charity partner status, providing a free pitch in Charity Alley, or donating prizes such as festival tickets to be used during fundraising activities.
In 2024, these efforts helped raise over £100,000 for charities and local community organisations. Supporting third-sector groups and voluntary organisations remains a priority for us, and we look forward to continuing this important work on the run up to, and during the 2025 Belladrum event.
Today, on International Charity Day, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on a few of the organisations that joined us for this year’s event, or have been involved over the past several years!
1.Highland Action For Little Ones (HALO)
This year’s charity partner, HALO is dedicated to supporting children and families in the Highlands affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty.
Established in January 2023 by Mel Thomson and her daughters Ashley and Lauren, HALO is a community-driven third-sector organisation committed to uplifting and empowering disadvantaged children and low-income families across the Highlands. Their work provides essential resources like clothing, shoes, nappies, milk, baby equipment, school uniforms, and toiletries to those in need.
By collecting donations of both new and pre-loved items, HALO also promotes a circular economy, ensuring that these resources are reused and recycled within the community.
Their work uplifts the most vulnerable and ensures they receive the essential support they need.
The entire Bella team are excited to support HALO, not only through fundraising support but also by helping to raise awareness of their vital work. Despite only been open for 18 months, they have already reached and supported nearly 2,000 children – and we’re especially keen to help make sure that other families who may need support, but are unaware of HALO’s services, can connect with them and learn of their existence.
It's been an exciting time for the HALO team recently – with Founder Mel Thomson recently winning the "Women of Inspiration" award and HALO being named "Third Sector Organisation of the Year" at the Highland Business Awards in August.
Learn more about our 2024 Charity partner, here: HALO Blog.
2. Elsie Normington Foundation
The Elsie Normington Foundation (ENF) was established as a charity in May 2013 by learning disability campaigner Elsie Normington, following the launch of her inspirational book, ‘The Silent Doorbell’ (2012) – which is a a personal memoir based on raising her son, Andrew, who has a severe learning disability.
Elsie’s story resonated with parents, who shared in her experience of raising a disabled child with no or limited access to play services or overnight respite care, particularly here in the Scottish Highlands.
This desperate need identified by families of disabled children in the Highlands and Islands inspired the ENF, which was set up to raise money for a specialist centre in the region. These ambitions led to plans for the Haven Centre, Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young adults with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
They opened their Haven Centre in Inverness June 2023, and it’s the first fully integrated facility of it’s kind in Scotland. Aside from the main Haven centre, there’s an additional building which holds three respite suites, one which is fully adaptable. There is also a community café, open to all, which supports the running costs of the Haven Centre Services – we highly recommend a visit for some tea, and cake! The team are wonderful and would be delighted to see you.
More about the Elsie Normington Foundation: https://enfoundation.co.uk
More about the Haven Centre: https://www.havencentre.org
3️. Mikeysline
It’s okay not to be okay…
Mikeysline was founded in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends, Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson within 48 hours of each other. This heart breaking loss of life only added to the growing number of suicides in the Highland area.
Born from tragedy, Mikeysline offers vital support and hope for those experiencing mental ill-health. Their mission is to break down stigma, provide accessible help, and prevent suicide, serving the Highlands and Moray with compassion.
Mikeysline is dedicated to providing critical support to individuals of all ages who are struggling to cope with mental health challenges. Through their text-based and face-to-face services, they offer confidential, non-judgmental peer support, making help accessible to those who need it most.
Their efforts are centered on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, which often prevents people from openly discussing their feelings and seeking help.
Mikeysline operates The Hive in Inverness, the Highlands' first out-of-hours crisis drop-in center, along with a network of Hives across Easter Ross and Nairn, offering a safe, supportive environment for those in need. Additionally, they provide tailored support to young people and collaborate with local businesses to offer mental health training and support to workforces.
Through innovative, multi-platform text services and in-person assistance, Mikeysline is committed to suicide prevention and raising awareness about mental health issues.
https://www.mikeysline.co.uk/who-we-are/our-story/
4️. Highland Hospice
Regular fixtures at our festival, Highland Hospice provides exceptional palliative care, focusing on pain management, emotional support, and creating meaningful moments for patients and their families. Highland Hospice services are offered free of charge to all adults in the Highlands.
Highland Hospice is dedicated to providing the best possible care and support to the people of the Highlands facing life-shortening illness, death, and bereavement. Their approach centres on the individual, prioritising the needs of patients and their families during these difficult times.
Beyond direct patient care, Highland Hospice is deeply involved in the local community, offering resources, training, and mentoring to professional and unpaid carers. This ensures that they too can provide the highest level of care.
Funding for Highland Hospice comes primarily from community support, fundraising events, and retail activities, with over £8,500 needed daily to sustain their services. Contributions of time, money, or goods can make a significant difference in ensuring that those in need receive compassionate care when it matters most.
We’re proud of our long-standing support of the Hospice – including providing the opportunity for the winner of Ness Factor to perform at the festival!
Learn more about getting involved in supporting the Highland Hospice, here: https://highlandhospice.org/how-you-can-help
5️. Morven-May (Lymes Disease)
Meet Morven-May MacCallum, a passionate advocate for Lyme disease awareness and a familiar face at Belladrum's Charity Alley.
Morven-May, hailing from the Highlands of Scotland, has been on a challenging journey since 2009 when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, a complex and often misunderstood illness.
Morven was around 14 when she was bitten by a tick that was infected with Lyme disease and co-infections… over the following summer, she developed a severe summer cold, but thought nothing more of it. Upon her return to school after the holidays, she discovered an alarming number of symptoms ranging from joint and bone pain, fatigue, headaches, stiffness and aching in my back and neck, to issues with my memory and general cognitive function. This begun a journey of being sent back and fore between doctors and departments – fighting to be heard, and to find a diagnosis.
Despite being housebound and bedbound for eight years, Morven-May's health has improved, allowing her to share her experiences through her writing and advocacy.
At Belladrum, you might have noticed the Lyme disease awareness posters in the campsites, thanks to Morven-May's efforts. Lyme disease is a serious infection caused by the Borrelia bacteria, most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. This multisystemic illness can affect various parts of the body, including the tissue, bones, nerves, and brain, making awareness and early detection crucial.
Morven-May works tirelessly to educate others about the realities of Lyme disease through her book "Finding Joy" and her speaking engagements at schools, festivals, and other events.
If you're curious to learn more about Lyme disease or to hear Morven-May's inspiring story, you can usually find her at Charity Alley during the festival.
https://morven-may.co.uk/?page_id=5
6. Rokzkool Academy
As a local charity, Rokzkool is dedicated to nurturing young people holistically, helping them discover their passions and build essential life skills through music, art, cooking and community projects.
This year, once again they brought their signature energy and commitment to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, continuing a tradition of making a positive impact on families and young people. The team is a diverse mix of headteachers, classically trained musicians, dedicated people, business professionals, trauma specialists, RADA Artist, and most importantly, carers and parents.
This diverse expertise is what allows Rokzkool to approach its work with a holistic mindset, supporting children and families in ways that are meaningful and lasting.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Rokzkool Academy is that many of its volunteers are former pupils and parents who deeply understand and embody the ethos of the organisation. These individuals return to give back to the community that once nurtured them, ensuring that the cycle of care and creativity continues.
At this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Rokzkool Academy's commitment to family and community safety shone brightly. Their volunteers stepped up once again to form the Guardian Ambassador Team, working in close collaboration with the festival's welfare staff. This dedicated team worked tirelessly throughout the event, ensuring that families and teens had a safe and enjoyable experience. Their presence helps to maintain Belladrum’s reputation as a family-friendly festival where everyone can feel secure.
Rokzkool Academy's contribution to the festival extended beyond safety. For several years now, their ‘Skool of Rok’ tent has been a highlight of Belladrum, bringing a touch of rock star magic to the Tomorrowland area. This year was no different, as young budding musicians took to the stage, filling the air with classic tunes that had everyone joining in for a singalong. The tent was alive with energy, and for many families, it was a place to connect, have fun, and make lasting memories.
If you missed the Skool of Rok tent at Belladrum, there’s good news. Rokzkool Academy opens the doors to their Studio 58 at the Eastgate Centre every Saturday afternoon for families to enjoy free musical fun. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the joy of making music together and to see firsthand the incredible work that Rokzkool does year-round.
7. Trees For Life
Trees for Life is at the forefront of rewilding efforts in the Scottish Highlands, driven by a bold and hopeful vision of creating nature-rich landscapes that support both wildlife and communities.
With a focus on Scotland’s spectacular Caledonian forest, the organisation works to foster biodiversity and encourage the natural processes essential to life. From the iconic red squirrel to the elusive lynx, Trees for Life is dedicated to bringing more life back to our landscapes.
Central to this mission is the involvement of volunteers. Every year, hundreds of volunteers join the rewilding efforts at Dundreggan Lodge, located in the heart of the estate. These volunteers contribute by planting trees, assisting in the nursery, and experiencing rewilding in action.
Rewilding is a journey best undertaken together. By working alongside communities, Trees for Life is not only restoring Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage but also supporting local livelihoods. Join this path of hope and positive action, and help rewild the Scottish Highlands.
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, Dundreggan is a remarkable rewilding project led by Trees for Life since 2008. This ancient landscape, once the hunting grounds of kings, is being transformed into a thriving wild forest. With over 4,000 species of plants and animals, including rare and protected species, Dundreggan is a beacon of biodiversity.
The newly opened Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, launched in April 2023, offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands. Through tree planting, natural forest regeneration, and innovative land management, Trees for Life is breathing new life into the Scottish landscape.
https://treesforlife.org.uk/dundreggan/
9. The Highlands Support Refugees
Since September 2015, Highland Support Refugees has been a beacon of generosity and compassion in the Highlands, sending aid, food, and support to refugees across Europe and beyond. Entirely volunteer-driven, the organisation draws support from communities stretching from Moray to Shetland, reflecting the kindness and solidarity of the people in this region.
Operating from permanent premises in Inverness, Highland Support Refugees hosts weekly sorting days where volunteers meticulously organise donated items such as clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, and essential outdoor gear. These donations are then carefully packed and labelled, ready to be transported to refugee camps in areas of greatest need. The organisation maintains close contact with volunteers working on the ground in camps across Europe, ensuring that their aid reaches those who need it most.
Over the years, Highland Support Refugees has sent approximately 200 tonnes of aid, using 40ft containers to deliver supplies to destinations like Dunkerque, Calais, Chios, Lesvos, Athens, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. They also contribute to national collections, such as the Choose Love October Appeal, demonstrating their commitment to helping refugees wherever and whenever they are needed.
Beyond sending aid, the organisation actively engages with local communities in the Highlands to resettle refugees and educate people about the ongoing refugee crisis. This outreach includes working with schools, churches, and clubs, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for those forced to flee their homes.
At Belladrum, we have had the privilege of partnering with Highland Support Refugees for several years. In 2024, they once again joined us post-festival to help with the clean-up, collecting left-behind blankets, sleeping bags, and clothing. This not only aids the environment by reducing waste but also provides much-needed resources to refugees in crisis. We are proud to support such a vital organisation and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.
10. Inverness Street Pastors
Street Pastors are a dedicated group of volunteers from various churches, united by their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their community. Recognisable by their uniforms, caps, and distinctive bags, they offer a peaceful, caring, and non-judgemental presence on the streets, particularly during the night. Those local to Inverness may recognise them as having a present on the highstreet, during the evening at weekends.
At Belladrum, Street Pastors play an essential role in looking after festival-goers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event safely. They volunteer their time to come along and assist individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol, those who are disoriented, or those simply in need of someone to talk to. Their approach is always practical and compassionate—they hand out foil blankets to those exposed to cold weather, provide water and lollipops for a quick energy boost.
Their continued presence at Belladrum is a testament to their dedication to making a difference, ensuring that everyone feels safe and supported throughout the festival. Whether you need help, guidance, or just a friendly chat, you can count on the Street Pastors to be there, caring, listening, and helping wherever they can!