Shed Project Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Afternoon Tea Party

Stornoway's Shed Project celebrated a decade of making a difference to its island community by sharing tea and cake with friends and partners.

The Shed Project, which was visited by then First Minister Humza Yousaf last month, hosted its anniversary afternoon tea party at Stornoway Town Hall to mark its 10th year milestone.

In those 10 years, the Shed has expanded the services it offers to people of all ages on the Isle of Lewis. These include drop-in facilities for local youngsters, a safe space for adults recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, and mentoring and support for primary and secondary pupils.

Over 100 guests, including partners, funders, staff, volunteers, trustees and community supporters, were in attendance for the celebration of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation for the future.

The invited guests were piped in by Nicolson Institute head boy, Tom Davis, setting the celebratory tone of the occasion, before they were treated to a delicious afternoon tea buffet from Artizan Café and a beautiful celebration cake, baked by Stag Bakeries.

But this was not just an opportunity to enjoy some tasty treats.

The afternoon gave the Shed team an opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to every individual and organisation that has contributed to the success of project over the past decade, and also look at new and future developments at the charity.

Looking to the next step

This included the unveiling of the Shed's new website, a modern digital platform designed to enhance accessibility and engagement with the local community.

Rev Tommy MacNeil, minister at the town's Martin Memorial Church, also spoke about the charity's plans for its purpose-built new family centre, The Barn, which is hoped will strengthen existing partnerships and embody the Shed's unwavering commitment to serving the island community.

Reflecting on how far the project has come since first opening its doors in 2014, community manager Fiona Douglas said: "We started our work in 2014 with our first collaboration project with NHS Western Isles Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP).

"The creation of The Well, as our community space for those in recovery and addition experienced adults, soon expanded to develop The Ark, which is our dedicated female group.

"We continue to be indebted to ADP as we have gone on to create the Shed Café and look forward to the new Lived Experience Panel, which we are currently working on. Partnerships continue to be the heart of our work and we are also indebted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the expansion of our intergenerational work through Little Stars, our parent and baby/toddler community.

"We are thankful to all our funders that support our work and look forward to all that's ahead."

A chance to say thank you

Youth and school manager Matthew MacNeil added: "We are so thankful to have hosted this event, to say thank you to all our partners for their ongoing support of the work we are involved in at the Shed.

"Our youth and schools work has grown and developed beyond recognition and it is our privilege to journey alongside the youth in the Nicolson Institute, Laxdale Primary and Stornoway Primary schools.

"This work has been so impactful for young people and their families – whether they engage with our youth team in the schools or in the Shed at one of our drop-ins – that we are receiving ongoing requests from other schools to become involved. As we journey forward, that's our hope and aim too."

The celebration event also heard words of encouragement from Cameron Black, director of crisis intervention at Bethany Christian Trust, which helps fund the recovery work, Donald Macleod, chief officer for education and children's services at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which part funds the youth and schools work, and Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, who is an ongoing supporter of the work of the Shed Project and continues to raise the profile of the work in the Scottish Parliament.

To round off the event, a message of support and encouragement was received via a video message from Invergordon's Tom Stoltman – three times winner of the World's Strongest Man – and his brother Luke. providing an inspiration for the entire team as they look forward to the next 10 years.

For more information about Shed Projects and their upcoming initiatives, as well as view a brand new promotional film about the project, please visit the new look website at www.theshedproject.org.uk