“Community-spirited” project gets off the ground with help from Orkney Builders and Orkney Men’s Shed

Taking a trip down memory lane, reusing past skills and learning new ones has been made possible thanks to a new initiative within a number of Orkney’s care homes. 

Orkney Men’s Shed and Orkney Builders have teamed up to support a new scheme – Men's Shed - within Hamnavoe House, Smiddybrae House and St Rognvald House.  

Orkney Men’s Shed have helped the care facilities grow the idea whilst Orkney Builders have generously donated some tools and equipment to get the Men’s Shed up and running. 

Residents from the three facilities will take part. 

Lisa Rhodes-Schofield, Senior Social Care Worker at Hamnavoe House said: “The idea originated from Hamnavoe House when a staff member approached senior staff about organising activities aimed at the male residents - from there the seed was planted! 

“We spoke with the other homes to see if they would like to be on board and just as we thought they were as excited as us to be a part of it! 

“Our activities facilitator Naomi MacDonald set to work on contacting local businesses for donations towards the Men’s Shed. This project has provided a great sense of community spirit and togetherness. We are also in the process of contacting Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School to see if they have anyone that would like to volunteer, promoting our integrated working. 

“By setting up the Men’s Shed it gives the opportunity for our residents to become creative and re-visit past skills.”

Photo caption, from the left, are: Stephen Kemp (Orkney Builders), Lisa Rhodes-Schofield, Naomi MacDonald, and Ian Scott (Orkney Builders).