Sandwick Community Hub
Guidance and support through the process of becoming a SCIO
“Accelerate is great, we really appreciate the support,
and I don't know if we’d have got the SCIO status without it.”
- Sandwick Community Hub
The challenge
Sandwick Community Hub, previously known as Sandwick Youth & Community Centre (SYCC), sits at the heart of the village of Sandwick in Shetland, providing a warm, safe and welcoming space for people of all ages.
Led by volunteers, the centre originally focused on supporting children and young people through an under‑5s toddler group and a Youth Club delivered by Shetland Islands Council. Over time, the committee recognised the wider potential of the building as a space to support the whole community, improve local wellbeing and help tackle challenges such as rural isolation.
As more local amenities closed in the south of the island, SYCC began to attract people from a wider area, evolving into a more inclusive and community‑focused space offering activities for all ages.
To strengthen its long‑term sustainability and support effective management of the centre, SYCC needed to secure Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status.
An initial application had been unsuccessful, and the volunteer‑led committee required clear guidance and reassurance to navigate what felt like a complex and challenging process.
How we helped
Through Accelerate, we worked alongside SYCC to simplify and guide the SCIO application process.
Practical, step‑by‑step support helped the committee understand what was required and build confidence in their approach.
We also shared relevant examples from other community groups, providing reassurance and helping the team feel confident they were moving in the right direction.
The result
SCIO status achieved
Stronger governance and organisational foundations
Increased capability to develop and expand services
With support from Accelerate, SYCC has now successfully secured SCIO status, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.
The set-up has strengthened the centre’s foundations, enabling the team to look ahead with confidence. Reflecting its wider mission to support the whole community, the centre relaunched with a new name - The Sandwick Community Hub.
Feeling inspired?
If you are part of a community group who is not yet trading
and would like free support to become more sustainable
and enterprising, check out our Accelerate programme.