Three charities that embody the 'best of Shetland'

While shopping on Lerwick's Commercial Street, your eyes may be drawn to an enticing window display of stylishly branded handmade soaps and skincare products.

This is the home of the Shetland Soap Company, which works alongside adults with learning disabilities to produce a range of handmade soap and skincare products.

In fact, the Shetland Soap Company is just one of several enterprises run by COPE Ltd, a well-established organisation which provides employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders.

When asked to account for COPE’s great success chief executive Steven Coutts is clear. “In a nutshell, great products, great people!”

It’s a good foundation for success, helped by overwhelming support from the community.

Steven says: “Our four business units, Shetland Garden Co, Home Co and Kitchen Co, and Shetland Soap Company, not only offer excellent products but they provide diverse skills development and supported employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

“Support from the community is key to our success, and it comes in many forms: from donations and choosing to spend with us, to volunteering, or choosing to join our dedicated team. COPE really embodies the best of Shetland: a community where everyone pulls together.

“People know that whatever they invest in COPE, it will be reinvested to provide opportunities for individuals across Shetland.”

The inclusive nature of the Shetland community can also be seen in the work done by Ability Shetland.

These islands are renowned for their stunning beaches and coastal walks. And to ensure that they are accessible to everybody Ability Shetland has four all terrain wheelchairs available to borrow for those who wish to get out and about in the great outdoors. That includes two attendant wheelchairs where the person in the chair is pushed by someone else, and two self-propelled chairs.

Team leader at Ability Shetland Stephanie Bain says: “Having this kind of equipment available locally removes barriers and ensures everyone can be included in activities in their community and places of interest to them.”

Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive with one wheelchair user saying: “I managed to get round all of Jarlshof, being able to go over the grass in places – thank you!”

Ability Shetland also has a boat based in the Lerwick Marina that can accommodate wheelchairs and people with mobility issues, and short sightseeing or fishing trips around the harbour are available all year round, weather permitting.

The last two years have taken their toll on everyone’s mental health, and in Shetland we are fortunate to have the support of Mind your Head, a mental health charity which aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health has become increasingly destigmatised over recent years, but there is still work to do, and the charity aims to raise mental health awareness in Shetland and reduce the stigma of mental ill-health, while simultaneously promoting positive mental health and well-being.

At the time of writing, the charity has numerous wellness programmes on the go, ranging from one-to-one support sessions to a drop-in cafe for families with children under two and a half. One cafe regular said: “The drop-in cafe is amazing, as it’s so relaxed and friendly. There’s no expectation to turn up on time and make teas or coffees. In fact, someone makes you a cup of tea! It’s been a lifesaver over winter and my little girl loves it.”

There are so many more organisations and initiatives in Shetland which offer a helping hand to people who need it.

Not only does the inclusive nature of the Shetland community make life better for those who require extra support (and we all fit into that category sometimes) but it also means there is a wealth of opportunities for people who want to volunteer their time and skills to help others.

If you are considering a move to the islands, check out our 'Why Shetland?' section.

Discover more about Shetland's thriving community and voluntary sector.