A supportive pathway to recovery, skills and employment
At Acorn Furniture Workshop, we believe everyone has the potential to learn, grow, and thrive. Rooted in therapeutic relationships and aligned with NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s values of being caring, safe, and respectful, we provide meaningful opportunities for individuals to develop vocational skills, support their recovery, and move forward with purpose.
Acorn Furniture Workshop brings together the Furniture Workshops, Garden Project, and Wellbeing Hub to create a welcoming and encouraging space where you can explore new skills, grow at your own pace, and build confidence. We’re here to support you with a personalised plan designed to help you on your recovery journey and open up a variety of training opportunities that can enhance your skills.
Joining Acorn Furniture Workshop is a meaningful first step in your vocational and personal development. We aim to create a flexible and supportive path that suits your individual goals and needs.
You will follow a personalised programme designed to help you:
- Increase motivation and self-confidence
- Learn real, meaningful work skills
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Promote social interaction
- Prepare for education, volunteering or employment
Interview and Induction
If you are receiving support from mental health services, you can be referred to Acorn Furniture Workshops by Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), GPs, Mental Health Practitioners (MHP’s), Addiction Services, Primary Care Mental Health Team, or Consultant Psychiatrists through both outpatient clinics and in-patient services.
Following a referral, you’ll be invited to attend an informal interview to explore your interests and what the workshop can offer. If appropriate, you’ll receive a start date for induction. During induction:
- You’ll follow our Induction Pathway
- Within 6 weeks, your instructor will review your progress and create a Personal Development Plan
- The plan will focus on skills like attendance, teamwork, timekeeping, health
and safety, and working in your area of interest
Trainee Reviews
You’ll receive regular reviews to track your development and review your progress. Outcomes may include:
- Continuing your current programme
- Extra support
- Peer support roles
- Signposting to other services
- Discharge from the programme
Meet the Team
Our diverse and experienced team includes:
- Mental Health Nurse
- Technical Instructors
- Sessional Staff
- Peer Support Workers
- Volunteers
- University Students
- NHS Rehabilitation Placement Staff
We also provide opportunities to become a peer support volunteer, helping others on their journey.
Your Journey
Each area offers engaging, hands-on opportunities that build skills and promote recovery:
The Furniture Workshop
The Furniture Workshop is open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 3.30pm offering morning, afternoon and full day sessions. Many trainees begin by attending a few sessions and gradually become more involved over time, with the option to continue for up to two years.
Woodwork and Joinery
From beginners to advanced, trainees work on real projects like planters, sheds, garden furniture, and custom designs
Upholstery
From minor repairs to full recovering of soft furnishings such as footstools, bench seats, dining room chairs, headboards etc. Breathing new life into furniture.
Lathe Work
Create handcrafted pens, clocks, bowls and more.
Laser Room
Use laser cutting and engraving equipment for precise designs on wood, slate and plastics
Arts and Crafts
Painting, knitting, crochet, and more.
Garden Project (Horticulture)
This popular department offers:
- Fruit and vegetable planting and cultivation (polytunnels, raised beds, and open ground)
- Flower and landscape planting
- Garden maintenance and winter crafts (e.g., holly wreaths)
- Therapeutic benefits from fresh air and physical activity
Picture Framing
A small department offering:
- Canvas stretching, frame construction, mount board and glass cutting
- Collaborating with customers to complete bespoke framing jobs
Wellbeing Hub
- Peer support volunteers provide emotional support and practical assistance in an informal setting.
- College classes – SQA Awards, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), PC Passport
- Volunteer Awards and more
Beyond the Workshop – What’s Next?
As your confidence grows, we can help facilitate and support:
- Work placements
- Voluntary opportunities
- Further education or training
- Peer support roles within Acorn
Our goal is to help you take the next step—whatever that looks like for you.
You are capable of incredible things. Let Acorn Furniture Workshop be your launchpad for recovery, learning and opportunity. Together, we’ll build a future you can be proud of.
Your Voice Matters
As part of our ongoing engagement, we would welcome any feedback you have relating to the ACORN Furniture Workshop and Gardens. Your views will help shape the ongoing development of this service. Many thanks for your time.
Click here to provide your feedback.
For more mental health services engagement and participation information contact MentalHealthEngagement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk