Brewing Connections at Bethesda Hospice Shop

Bethesda Hospice Shop on Stornoway’s Bayhead Street, has been awarded an NHS Western Isles Capital Grant to help develop a Warm Hub for the wider community and visitors to keep warm, help make new friends and reduce isolation, as well as to relax in comfortable surroundings.

The £8735 grant has been used to purchase a self-service vending unit, situated in the newly redesigned shop, which has helped create a warm and cosy seating area with their library space.

Joanne Ferguson, Bethesda’s Finance Development Officer & Fundraiser, said: “Over time, it has become clear to the Bethesda Hospice Shop’s management that it serves many purposes, other than simply raising funds for the Hospice.  However, whilst this is naturally the main objective of the shop, we also want to enhance and develop its social enterprise aspect.

“We are grateful towards NHS Western Isles for the grant, which helps us to provide hot drinks in our welcoming and inclusive space, offering a low-pressure, informal environment where people can easily drop-in, sit together and engage in conversation, without any stigma or obligation to purchase anything.”

Debbie Bozkurt, NHS Western Isles Director of Finance & Procurement / IJB Chief Finance Officer, said, “We are delighted to assist the Bethesda Hospice Shop in developing their Warm Hub. It is evident that the shop is well used by many in our community seeking company, support or simply a warm place to sit.”

“With loneliness being a recognised risk factor for poor mental health and wellbeing, we are delighted to help reduce social isolation, particularly in the elderly, those living alone, carers and individuals.”

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 to help support these groups.

(L-R): Joanne Ferguson, Bethesda’s Finance Development Officer & Fundraiser, Gilly Lockhart, Bethesda Hospice Shop Manager, and Debbie Bozkurt, NHS Western Isles Director of Finance & Procurement / IJB Chief Finance Officer.