Tagsa Uibhist has taken another big step in supporting mental health and wellbeing on Uist, thanks to a capital grant from NHS Western Isles. The funding has allowed the charity to buy a dedicated garden cabin — a calm, private space for art psychotherapy sessions and wellbeing groups.

A £15,000 donation has paid for the insulated wooden cabin, which now sits in the middle of Tagsa’s community gardens, surrounded by flowers, trees and peaceful greenery. Another £10,000 from The Clothworkers Foundation will go towards creating the base and path.

Tagsa Uibhist is a community‑based charity that takes a holistic approach to helping people live well. They focus on bringing people together, encouraging physical activity, building new skills, and helping everyone feel part of community life.

The new cabin will be used for community art psychotherapy for all ages. Art psychotherapy can support people in lots of ways — from early intervention in groups like Tagsa’s parent‑infant and intergenerational sessions, to evidence‑based therapy for mental health challenges and trauma. It will also be a base for wellbeing activities with adults and people supported through Tagsa’s dementia services.

For Tagsa’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, the cabin means they can make even better use of the therapeutic garden setting while still having a private, quiet space for creative and life‑enhancing work.

Chris MacLullich, Tagsa Uibhist Chief Executive Officer, said “I would like to thank NHS Western Isles for their donation, which will enable us to offer a wider range of activities which address those presenting with underlying mental health challenges, while strengthening familial bonds and community support.”