A Privilege to Serve: Reflections on Five Years as Charity Chair

My role within the Shed Project, over the last 5 years, has been as chair of the SMT. It has been a joy to work with such a great team who are motivated, creative and united in their approaches towards meeting the Shed’s main aim of, ‘Serving the community to the best of our ability.’

My first main involvement with the Shed Project, began during my time as Head Teacher of two local schools. Over the years, I have seen many changes and challenges in terms of the issues and burdens that our young folk have had to contend with. Anxiety and mental health concerns are prevalent.  While schools are equipped to support and to provide interventions, including some very powerful and impactful approaches, one of the biggest challenges we faced, was TIME! I was very blessed to work alongside excellent school management teams who had the children at the very centre of their approaches. Class teachers also worked tirelessly, to support the most vulnerable young learners.

However, when we were approached by the Shed Youth Team, with an offer of informal support and interventions, schools welcomed the provision with open arms! Pupils enjoyed a different relationship with youth workers, and it is truly amazing to look back and see the growth in those approaches over the last number of years. Well planned and evaluated programmes continue to describe the real differences that the Shed interventions have made.

The Nicolson Institute

‘Young people in TNI benefit from the relationships  and mentoring the Shed staff provide; we can see the impact of the commitment of our partners in the Shed, on how young people engage and interact with each other and with staff: it’s this partnership approach that can make such a difference to positive outcomes for young people in our community and we in TNI really value and appreciate the work of The Shed and the commitment of staff.’

Miss J Cairns, Rector.

Laxdale School

‘The Shed team is an excellent resource in our school. The pupils respond well to visitors to the class and Shaina and Sophie have been running a really worthwhile programme.

The pupils always comment on how helpful the session was, when the teachers return to class, particularly when it comes to issues that may arise in Secondary school.

The knowledge the Shed team has of the Nicolson, is so helpful and it allows pupils to ask meaningful questions. Class teachers also appreciate the 30 minutes out of class, as the Shed team delivers lessons suitable for Health and Wellbeing.

Can’t speak highly enough of the service to schools!’

Mr Stephen Campbell, class teacher.

The journey of the Shed continues to grow in breadth but crucially, also in the depth of its impact. It offers a place of acceptance, respect, safety, opportunity, welcome, trust, confidentiality and belonging. These are real and true benefits and are expressions of the support and scaffolding that the Shed groups provide. The Ark, the Well, Little Stars, Safe Families, the Shed Café, Who Let the Coves Out and the Youth drop-ins, all work towards this offer. The vision of each of the groups is that every individual's potential is nurtured. It is a place where families flourish and where partnerships between neighbours and organisation progress and grow.  Together, we aim to live out a community that's not just a place to live, but a place to truly live well.

A definite highlight of my time with the Shed Project has to be the 10th Anniversary celebration at the Townhall. It was incredible to have such a beautiful event and to hear the stories from partners and friends of the Shed. It really is a wonderful story to share!

But our story doesn't end there; it's evolving with every passing day. Looking forward, to the very near future, we are very excited for the Barn. The Barn will be the new family centre and through partnership with the Shed, will continue, develop and increase the services already provided to the community. It has been an immense privilege and honour to have been A SMALL part of this amazing story!