Charity Spotlight: Campaign celebrates Inverclyde community project tackling loneliness

The Inverclyde Shed, which operates across Port Glasgow and Gourock, has been highlighted as one of five National Lottery-funded projects across the UK to feature in the nationwide celebration marking the £3 billion that has been raised for Good Causes through National Lottery sales in Co-op stores since 1994.

The campaign will run in selected Co-op stores and communications from the 12th of August to the 1st of September, helping to connect National Lottery players with the local projects that, because of them, are made possible.

The Inverclyde Shed is a 100% volunteer-run grassroots organisation that provides welcoming spaces for people to come together, learn new skills and share their experiences. Through its community workshop and growing spaces across Inverclyde, the Shed offers a wide range of hands-on activities, from woodworking and gardening, to beekeeping, musical instruments and drawing.

At the heart of the organisation is a simple aim: to reduce loneliness and social isolation by helping people build genuine friendships, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and feel more connected to their community. Membership is open to anyone over 18 and brings together people from all walks of life, creating a place where members can meet, make, grow and share together.

Thanks to National Lottery players, The Inverclyde Shed has received a total of £359,000 in National Lottery funding between 2018 and 2025, helping the organisation to continue providing vital community spaces and activities that support connection, wellbeing and skills-sharing across Inverclyde

Founder of The Inverclyde Shed, Bruce Newlands said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as part of this campaign and grateful to National Lottery players, whose support has helped make our work possible.

“Thanks to National Lottery funding, The Inverclyde Shed has continued to create welcoming community spaces where people can come together, build connections and support one another. We are delighted to celebrate the incredible difference National Lottery players continue to make in communities across Inverclyde and throughout the UK every day.”

Kate McCrae, Co-op retail director, said: “Whether you pop to Co-op for a pint of milk, lunchtime meal deal or dinner, many people also enjoy playing The National Lottery. Every ticket bought has helped to make a difference, and this amazing sum raised via Co-op since The National Lottery first began more than 30 years ago has helped to fund causes that support stronger communities, improve wellbeing and, create opportunities for people of all ages in towns, villages and cities across the UK.”

Bridget Lea, managing director, retail at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Reaching £3 billion raised for National Lottery Good Causes through Co-op stores is a remarkable milestone. Every National Lottery player who has purchased a ticket at Co-op has helped make a difference to communities across the UK.

“This campaign is our opportunity to say thank you - to players, to the incredible Co-op team and to everyone who has helped deliver life-changing National Lottery funding over the past three decades. The projects featured in this campaign are powerful examples of the positive impact made possible by National Lottery players every single day.”

This campaign is not only a celebration of the £3 billion that has been raised for Good Causes through Co-op stores, but a powerful reminder that playing The National Lottery also supports thousands of projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all ages. 

Since The National Lottery started in 1994, more than £53bn has been raised for Good Causes, supporting projects in every postcode district across the UK. Today, National Lottery players raise on average, more than £33m each week for National Lottery-funded projects.

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.