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ABOUT SOUL OF THE JUNCTION SCIO

Soul of the Junction SCIO is a community-led charity rooted in Carstairs Junction, South Lanarkshire. We were founded in September 2024 by local residents who believe that even small rural places can be vibrant, inclusive and future-ready when people come together with purpose.

Our work centres around the community hall at 1 St Charles Avenue, which we are transforming into a welcoming, accessible and multi-use space for people of all ages. The hall is more than a building – it is a shared living room for the village, a place to learn, connect, create and care for one another.

What we do

We support our community through a blend of practical action, creativity and care, focusing on:

  • Community regeneration & connection
    Bringing people together through inclusive events, workshops, cinema sessions and seasonal celebrations that reduce isolation and build belonging.

  • Climate-ready places
    Helping our village adapt to climate change through hands-on learning, community mapping, repair and reuse activities, and low-carbon improvements to our building.

  • Children, families & inclusion
    Creating safe, welcoming spaces and activities for children and young people, including plans for sensory-friendly environments and inclusive programmes that support additional needs.

  • Health, wellbeing & resilience
    Offering opportunities for creativity, learning and social connection that support mental wellbeing, confidence and everyday resilience.

How we work

Soul of the Junction SCIO is proudly grassroots and volunteer-led. We work closely with residents, schools, local organisations and regional partners to make sure our projects reflect real local needs. We value collaboration, kindness and transparency, and we take a practical, step-by-step approach to long-term change.

Our vision

We envision a thriving, connected and climate-resilient rural community, where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to take part – regardless of age, background or ability.

Our values

  • Inclusion – everyone belongs

  • Community first – shaped by local voices

  • Care for people & planet – now and for the future

  • Creativity & learning – as tools for positive change

Soul of the Junction SCIO is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. SC053656).
Whether you are a neighbour, volunteer, partner or supporter, you are part of the journey – and always welcome at the Junction.

OUR INITIATIVES

OUR IMPACT

At Soul of the Junction SCIO, our impact is rooted in real change you can see and feel. In just a short time, we have turned an underused rural building into an active community hub and brought people together around shared purpose, creativity and care.

Community connection & participation

  • 150+ residents engaged through workshops, community cinema sessions, seasonal events and inclusive activities

  • Children, families and older residents regularly taking part together, strengthening intergenerational connections

  • A growing network of volunteers and local supporters helping shape and deliver our work

A revitalised community space

  • Secured a long-term lease for the community hall, safeguarding it for public use

  • Ongoing renovation and modernisation, improving warmth, accessibility and functionality

  • Created a welcoming base for learning, creativity and social connection in the heart of the village

Climate-ready action at a local level

  • Delivered Climate Ready Places workshops, helping residents understand local risks and solutions

  • Used hands-on, creative learning to make climate action accessible and relevant

  • Built local confidence to take small, practical steps towards a more resilient future

Children, inclusion & wellbeing

  • Introduced sensory-friendly and inclusive activities that support children with additional needs

  • Created safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, learn and feel understood

  • Reduced isolation by offering low-cost, local activities in a rural area with limited transport options

Looking ahead

Our impact continues to grow. Over the next year we will:

  • Expand our sensory support and inclusive programmes

  • Complete further energy efficiency and accessibility improvements to the hall

  • Reach more residents across Carstairs Junction and surrounding villages

Every activity, improvement and conversation helps build a stronger, kinder and more resilient community.

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