Today, Monday 1 July, NHS Shetland in partnership with Food for the Way, officially opened two new Polycrubs.
A celebration was held at the new site near Montfield NHS Shetland Accommodation Block in Montfield Lane, off Burgh Road, earlier this afternoon to thank the community for their generosity and to mark the activities planned for Alcohol Awareness Week (1 - 7 July).
The smaller 8m x 4m Polycrub will be used solely by NHS Shetland staff during lunch breaks and after hours. The project was made possible following a successful bid to The Endowment Fund in 2023, and it is hoped that it will provide a space for staff to unwind and also boost wellbeing.
The larger 12m x 4m Polycrub has been funded by the Corra Foundation Local Support Fund for use by Food for the Way, a local mission outreach by the Methodist Church. Food for the Way hopes to provide social contact and therapeutic activities for individuals and their families affected by alcohol and drug use.
As part of the project, two extra parking spaces have also been created, one of which will be accessible. While the area surrounding the Polycrubs will be further developed to encourage biodiversity with a range of trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
An additional 8m x 4m Polycrub has also recently been built at Walls Health Centre and is already being enjoyed.
Lincoln Carroll, Chair of the Shetland Health Board Endowment Fund Committee said: “It’s exciting to see this project completed and the Polycrubs ready to be used. The various health benefits of growing your own and gardening are well known, including boosting physical and mental wellbeing. I’m sure staff using the Polycrubs will soon gain a great deal of satisfaction when they’re eating the salad that they’ve grown for lunch.
“Many thanks to our generous donors; through their support, we can continue to sponsor remarkable projects. It is rewarding to see money from the Endowment Fund being used in such a positive and sustainable way. I can’t wait to see what is grown!”
Rev Michelle McAdoo, Pioneer for Food the Way, said: "Food for the Way is not just about providing food, but about growing a community based on 'The Way' of the life of Jesus who showed hospitality and healing to all who needed it. We are very grateful for all of the support from the NHS, local businesses, local churches and individuals who have generously provided their time, talents and resources to get this project started.
“Transition Turrifield has helped us to develop a plan for accessible raised beds and a planting plan to get us started for the autumn. We hope to be able to grow food that volunteers can take home and enjoy with any surplus being cooked for the Food for the Way weekly community lunch.
“We look forward to working with new volunteers from Food for the Way, Shetland Recovery Hub and the Living and the Lived Experience Recovery Network group to support the growing recovery community here in Shetland and are delighted to be opening today as part of our joint activities during Alcohol Awareness Week.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for Food for the Way can contact Michelle by mobile: 07522 539696 or email: foodfortheway@gmail.com