A boat building project has been launched with the aim of helping people struggling or recovering from alcohol or drugs addiction.
The scheme is run by Staran Community Interest Company (Staran CIC) and is based at its facility on Sandwick Road in Stornoway.
Participants develop boat building and craft skills through the construction of a 24ft St Ayles skiff.
With full support from an experienced workshop supervisor and addictions support worker, volunteers are able to work in a therapeutic environment in the evenings and all day on Saturdays.
The local NHS Alcohol and Drug Partnership is funding the project.
Hector Macleod, chief executive of Third Sector Hebrides, Staran’s parent organisation said: “This project builds upon the long standing ethos of Staran in engaging with members of our community with addiction issues, and we intend to extend and expand upon this project ourselves, after the initial project period is over.
"We aim to add a furniture restoration element to the project, which I hope will ensure that both male and female participation is catered for and encouraged."
Workshop supervisor, Kenny Maclennan, explained: “This is an excellent project, teaching woodworking skills that will deliver a fantastic boat that ultimately when in the water, can lead to developing team building activities going forward.”
Recruitment of volunteers is steadily increasing and support worker Donald “Tuff” Macdonald encourages as many participants as possible to come forward.
He said: "We wish to provide an opportunity that will help people change their lifestyles, and give them a stepping stone back to employment.
"Completing the boat is obviously very important, but the primary aim is to give all participants a positive experience during the process, that will provide a lasting benefit long after the boat is completed.”
Volunteers are able to join the project at any time, to find out more, please contact 709025 or email info@staran.co.uk.
Both agency referrals and self-
Boat project management team: Kenneth Maclennan, Hector Macleod and Donald “Tuff” Macdonald.
Boat building project aims to help people with addiction issues
19 July 2015