Lochaber Hope seeks volunteers to build an accessible skiff

The community group that offers help with counselling, mentoring, training and employability will soon be starting work on their 'Build a Skiff' project and they need volunteers to construct the unique vessel.

 

This is the inaugural project for the newest service Lochaber Hope is offering, their woodworking focused social enterprise branch: The Workshop.

 

They are seeking eight volunteers to commit 12 hours a week for six months to create a purpose-built skiff that will be able to accommodate a variety of physical and mental disabilities.

 

Project Lead for The Workshop, Cameron Bauer, has been working hard to get the project going and is seeking volunteers before they officially open soon.

 

He said: 'The purpose of this isn’t necessarily to build a boat – it’s to provide a creative outlet to members of our community who are at risk of suicide and mental health problems, or who have been personally affected by these things; it’s a means of providing an opportunity for self-improvement through the production of something which will be used to the benefit of others.

 

'Through the act of building this boat we intend to encourage open and honest conversation, in a safe and confidential environment, about

 

things that perhaps wouldn’t be comfortably discussed elsewhere, and hope that should anyone involved in this project require it, they will seek to avail themselves of the counselling and support services that are currently and traditionally offered by Lochaber Hope.'

 

There is no need to have any prior experience in woodworking or ship building and drop-in days will be offered if people don't feel they can commit the full 12 hours a week.

 

The time will be split up throughout the week and all work will take place at The Workshop next to the Lochaber Hope building on Belford Road.

 

This will be the first project for The Workshop and will begin mid-December to early January once enough volunteers sign up.

 

This practical and hands-on centre eventually hopes to offer furniture making, power tool classes and general wood working lessons.

 

The skiff project will be the sole focus of The Workshop to begin with and is open to anyone who feels they could benefit from it and provide some help.

 

If you or someone you know might be interested in joining this project then simply email Mr Bauer at theworkshop@lochaberhope.org.uk and you can get some more information on what to expect with the project.