The Island Wellbeing Project – Moving Forward
The Island Wellbeing Project, as we’ve known it, came to an end in September 2025 after five years of supporting our community through various initiatives.
Throughout those five years, the project evolved as funding requirements changed after the initial pilot period was over, and adjustments were made — including the removal of the 1:1 element for safeguarding reasons.
Highlights from the Project
Over the years, the project helped to start and support many fantastic community initiatives, including:
- Cast Affs – a pop-up charity shop in the Smithy during COVID that grew into the Cast Affs we know today.
- Piece Place – a pop-up café during COVID.
- The Sauna Project. (next one coming early 2026)
- Community groups such as the Men’s Shed, Games Group, Active Movers, BALL Group, and weekly Wellbeing Walks.
- Grocery boxes delivered during lockdown.
- Workshops and retreats – including dry stone dyke building and woodworking.
- Community Larder and the Portacabin Book Swap.
…and much more!
What Happens Next
Now, it’s time to reflect on what “wellbeing” has meant for Shapinsay — what worked best, where the gaps are, and how we can build on what’s been achieved.
We’ve already gathered valuable feedback through the Wellbeing Tree at the Shapinsay Show, in the Sound, and during the AGM, where everyone had the chance to share ideas.
The next step is to:
- Review the feedback.
- Identify priorities.
- Decide which activities are most needed and sustainable.
In the name of complete transparency, we have published all of the feedback received. Below, you’ll find a summary of all a file with all feedback received, along with responses to many of the points raised.
We’ve also included a voting sheet file to help us understand what the community would most like to see continue or develop — and which activities have enough interest to be run sustainably, these can be filled in electronically and sent back, printed and sent back, or you can pick up a copy at the wellbeing day which will be held early next year.
Looking Ahead
We’re planning to hold a Wellbeing Day in January, and we’d love for as many people as possible to come along.
It will be a chance to:
- Share your thoughts on what projects and activities would be most appreciated and used.
- Let us know if you’d be interested in helping or volunteering.
- Shape the next chapter of wellbeing on Shapinsay together.
In Summary the proposal is to
1. Have a community liaison person who would run community groups and be trained in signposting, spending one afternoon a week in the office where they could be reached for drop in purposes.
2. Set up a “Here to help” project where individuals would be employed to do light housework etc in the home for those who need a bit of extra help. (more information in the last file)
Working together: The trust is literally made up of you, the islanders, we all are working to the same goal, to make Shapinsay the best place it can be for us all to live on. We truly value everyone’s input — every comment, suggestion, and idea helps shape what comes next. But to keep moving forward, we really need to hear what people do want, not just what they don’t or that we aren’t doing enough.
It’s hard for us to make changes or plan new activities without clear direction from the community. If something isn’t working for you, please come and talk to us about what would work better. That way, we can spend our time and resources on the things that genuinely matter to people and that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.
So please — come along to the Wellbeing Day in January, fill in the voting sheet, or simply get in touch. Every bit of positive, practical feedback helps us build something that truly reflects what Shapinsay wants and needs. We all want to work together to the best outcome, so please, be positive and help us to shape this in the best way we can and if you can help with practical support, running your own group, volunteering, anything, please get in touch.