AVA Magazine: July 22

AVA | July 2022 9
Gordon Rural Action
Awarded: £37,113
How the money will be spent: We are creating
an inclusive workspace for learning and
social interaction via the Bike Shack Project,
resulting in increased access to physical and
social activities, reducing social isolation,
social exclusion and poor mental health.
We will utilise the Bike Shack, creating a safe
working environment at No49 Gordon St,
Huntly including a social space to encourage
interaction, dialogue and problem sharing. We
will also:
• Offer opportunities to participate in training
workshops, bike repairs and retail sales to
build confidence.
• Employ bike mechanics on a mental
health recovery journey as a platform to full
employment.
• Develop a group of ‘Bike Hero’ volunteers,
creating a community of cyclists and a
forum for open conversations. Secure
the future of Bike Shack by relocating,
running and expanding the current project
providing a new working environment and
shop space to re-cycle, re-purpose and redistribute
second-hand bikes.
Update: We are excited to have moved the bike
project Re:Cycle into its new premises with the
support of the CMHW fund we’ve been able to
pay the rent and utilities. We have employed
a Lead Mechanic and Trainee Mechanic and
have started servicing and selling bikes. We
now have 4 volunteers supporting the project
and are working towards kitting out our social
space.
Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed
Awarded: £3410
How the money will be spent: We intend to
refurbish the interior of a dilapidated, fire
damaged heritage-grade cottage which
will be leased to our group by Aberdeenshire
Council early in 2022, once the exterior has been
made wind and watertight. Once the exterior
work is completed and we can gain access to
the Cottage, where possible the interior work
will be carried out by our members (renewing
floors, removing old lath and plaster, replacing
the plasterboard, preparing internal doors,
insulating, decorating, fitting a new kitchen)
but other more involved tasks (installation of
toilet facilities, water and electricity) will be
done by professionals. Purchasing equipment
and materials for repairing and equipping the
kitchen area is our priority as this is a vital step
towards creating the means to tackle loneliness
and social isolation.
Update: The cottage is almost ready to be
handed over to the Men’s Shed. There were
various hold ups - covid, and Storm Arwen which
closed the park for six weeks. Some additional
work has been done to the exterior of the
cottage by the council which has prolonged
the Building Warrant approval and the handing
over to the Men’s shed. However, lately, the
men have been in the cottage putting down
flooring, laying a floor in the toilet and installing
the toilet and sink. The walls are decorated
and a kitchen is ready to be installed. We have
been taking advantage of good weather to
improve the yard by reducing clutter, with the
erection of a greenhouse, the making of flower
tubs and a wooden storage shed. Literally any
day now we are expecting the Building Warrant
approval which allows us to complete a 15 year
lease for the cottage and yard, and signals that
we are free to work on the cottage unrestricted
to complete the outstanding tasks like fitting the
kitchen and furnishing it.