Stewarton Community Shed project officially opened

John Knox Parish Church is encouraging men and women over 18 to come together to learn new practical skills to make, repair and repurpose objects at The Shed.

Known as Stewarton Community Shed, it was officially opened by Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Open on Thursdays from 10am-1pm, the project encourages people to work on their own and in a group setting with tools and equipment in a safe environment.

Speaking after he cut a red ribbon to declare the project officially open, Dr Paterson 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."

(Image: Church of Scotland) The Shed is part of Thrive Stewarton, an 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.

It provides a range of activities to serve their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health needs.

The official launch ceremony included church members and community representatives such as Councillor John McGhee, depute provost of East Ayrshire.

Dr Paterson presented certificates in recognition of the hard work and dedication of church member and project leader Jim Lygate and local builder Hugh Montgomery.

Flowers were presented and the Moderator was gifted with a spurtle made by members of Thrive Stewarton's employability group.

In return, he presented Thrive's mission pioneer Pete Anderson with a special tile made to commemorate his Moderatorial year.

Pete said: "On a warm and sunny afternoon it was wonderful to bring together and say thank you to all the local businesses, organisations and volunteers that have supported the build.

"The Shed is about improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation in our local community.

"Connection, conversation and creation – that's what joining a shed is all about."

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.

For more information about The Shed, email shed@thrivestewarton.org.