NHS Western Isles helps Point skate towards success

To support Knock Youth Club and Cafe’s project to create a skateboard and outdoor play area, NHS Western Isles has provided a capital grant to meet the group’s financial shortfall and help benefit the health of local children within the Point district.

A donation of £18,901 has enabled the group to meet the cost of almost £108,000 required for surfacing work, asphalt and concrete ramps, safety fencing and an enhanced, safe off-road play area.

The new area, which is beside the recently refurbished Knock Hall, will be the first of its kind in the district and, together with the hall, will provide a multi-faceted resource for local children from primary levels upward. The work includes 517m2 of surfacing work, asphalt and concrete ramps suitable for skateboards, bicycles and scooters. Safety fencing is also included. This will be added to with an enhanced safe off-road play area.

Bethany Finlayson, Chair of Point Youth Community Council, said: “This multi-functional outdoor space will be used for a wide range of outdoor activities that our young people have requested, such as developing skateboard skills and a safe space for riding scooters and bikes.

“We also intend to focus on intergenerational and life skills, using both indoor and outdoor spaces, for intergenerational activities such as bike maintenance, woodwork, growing plants and vegetables, sewing and baking.”

Additional funding towards the skateboard and outdoor play area has been received from Point & Sandwick Trust, Crown Estates, the National Lottery, Point councillors, Western Isles Development Trust and CLLD. 

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “NHS Western Isles is delighted to have been able to support this project, which will help promote social skills, outdoor activities, opportunities for sports and activities that improve physical skills, and helps improve mental health.

“Physical activity is a vital part of a child's development, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing, academic success, and social skills, and encouraging children to be active can have long-lasting positive effects on their health and life. Congratulations to the Knock Youth Club and Café for developing this excellent resource for children and young people.”