An East Ayrshire church has launched a Community Shed in its community to enable locals to learn new practical skills to make, repair and repurpose whilst combatting social isolation and loneliness and positively impact on the health and wellbeing of its members.
Stewarton Community Shed is part of the Thrive Stewarton initiative—set up by John Knox Parish Church and the Presbytery of the South West to support people in their 20s to 40s ‘outside the walls’ of the church.
The Shed was officially opened on the 9th March 2025 by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Rev Dr Shaw Paterson (pictured below centre). Overwhelming support was received by the community on opening day and community representatives including Councillor John McGhee, Depute Provost of East Ayrshire were also in attendance.
Pete Anderson from Stewarton Community Shed said: “We are delighted to announce that Stewarton Community Shed, known locally as simply ‘The Shed’, is now open on Thursdays 10am till 1pm. All welcome! The Shed’s mission statement says it all—‘Feel good about yourself, be productive, contribute to the community, connect with friends and maintain an active body, mind and soul’.”
“Connection, conversation and creation – that’s what joining a Shed is all about. This new resource in our community encourages members to work on their own and/or in a group setting in a safe and friendly environment. New members will be fully trained in safe working practices for all of our tools and equipment regardless of their previous skills and experience.
Rev Dr Paterson, who is no stranger to the value of skilled work as a former tiler described the project as a “wonderful resource” for the community and was honoured to be asked to open it.
Speaking after he cut the ribbon, the Moderator said: “Men in particular can find it hard to share how they feel. The Shed will promote good mental health by enabling people to come together and chat as they work shoulder-to-shoulder”.
Peter Anderson added that an employability project has also started at the Shed with unemployed men working on an oak town sign to be sited at the crossroads in the centre of the town. Participant James said: “I enjoy coming along to the Shed, learning new skills, making stuff and getting to know folk. I’ll be able to say… I made that!”
Not content with simply being a bystander in the workshop area on the day, Rev Dr Paterson donned safely glasses and an apron to try his hand at a spot of woodturning for himself. He said: “I echo the value of a place where activities can help with wellbeing—the value of gathering, working together, sharing knowledge and most especially having a conversation with others while working on a project”
Support Stewarton Community Shed and follow them on Facebook at @thrivestewarton.
Images and story courtesy of The Shed, John Knox Parish Church and The Church of Scotland.
