NHS Western Isles helps ‘The Barn Project’ reach completion

NHS Western Isles supported the completion of The Barn Project by awarding £20,000 in capital grant funding to The Shed Project (in partnership with Martin’s Memorial).  

The Barn Project set out to refurbish the hall at Martin’s Memorial Church, creating a new and dedicated family centre through the installation of modern toilets and a fully equipped community kitchen, both housed in redesigned spaces. This upgraded facility now serves as an inclusive and supportive environment for families and individuals across the community.

Designed with the hope to tackle isolation and loneliness within our community, The Barn provides a safe, welcoming, and positive space for people of all ages. It offers a whole-family approach which aligns with the work of the Outer Hebrides Drug and Alcohol Partnership, recognising that recovery affects not only individuals but the wider family network.

The funding from NHS Western Isles was used to secure equipment for the new community kitchen for The Barn Project, a resource that now plays a central role in the day-to-day operation of the Barn.

The work was finalised in October 2025 with the official opening due to take place later this year. Since the work was finalised, The Barn has been very well used by groups including Alpha, Little Stars, and the Well. The hall has also hosted a variety of community activities such as men’s and women’s meetings, as well as wider community gatherings.

The new kitchen facilities have become a key asset, regularly used by groups who rely on the space for meals, workshops, and community-building activity.

Rev. Tommy Macneil, Team Leader of The Shed Project and The Barn Family Centre, said: “We are indebted to NHS Western Isles for their support of The Barn, by enabling us to properly equip the community kitchen for use.”

Colum Durkan, Director of Public Health, NHS Western Isles, said: “We were delighted to support The Barn Project, which is already making a meaningful and positive impact within our local communities. By helping to equip the new community kitchen, we are supporting a space that brings people together, reduces isolation, and strengthens family and community wellbeing.”

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.