Last spring Age UK County Durham, which supports a wide range of clubs, activities and services for older people and carers, launched a “community shed” in the yard of its retail superstore in Belmont.
Since then more than 100 people – a fifth of them teenagers who need special support – have taken advantage of the range arts and crafts sessions on offer.
While the charity remains committed to its principal aim of combating the isolation, loneliness and poverty among the elderly, it also puts high value on the Shed’s ability to provide a safe place for attendees of all ages to socialise and share or learn new skills.
Since it opened more than 100 people have taken part in sessions at the Shed which have produced items for sale to the public in the adjoining superstore.
The freemen have responded to the Shed’s appeal for support with a £250 gift and development manager, Christine Fletcher, hopes others will follow the their lead.
“To date we have repaired and painted donated furniture, made greetings cards, Christmas wreaths and textiles. Sessions of the men’s woodcraft group, led by three older volunteers, has also produced good quality bird boxes, bird feeders planters, hedgehog houses and garden furniture and they too are for sale and shoppers’ response has been very encouraging.
“The sales produce much-needed funds to support our new venture and we continue to work with local businesses who have donated pallets and off-cuts of wood. We are desperately seeking more contributions which will allow us to buy additional materials and be more creative,” said Christine.
Eric Bulmer, who chairs the freemen’s charitable trust, said “The Shed cultivates a friendly and supportive atmosphere which is important in enhancing people’s lives and self-worth. We are delighted to be able to play a part in helping their work to continue.”
The grant is awarded to support the development of the charity’s Community Shed which opened in spring 2019 to provide a local venue for all ages to socialise whilst enjoying taking part in a range of arts and crafts.
The Community Shed is based in the yard of Age UK County Durham’s Retail Superstore in Belmont, Durham.
This welcoming space is becoming a hub for people of all ages to take part in practical activities, including furniture upcycling, arts, crafts and woodcraft.
Since spring 2019 the volunteers working with over 100 people of all ages and interests have repaired, upcycled and painted donated furniture so that it can be sold. They have taken part in craft sessions to learn how to make Christmas wreaths, greetings cards and textile crafts. A number of sessions have been held with teenagers who have special support needs. A Men’s Woodcraft Group has volunteers who lead sessions to make good quality bird boxes, bird feeders, planters, hedgehog houses and garden furniture.
Eric Bulmer, who chairs the freemen’s charitable trust, said “The Shed cultivates a friendly and supportive atmosphere which is important in enhancing people’s lives and self-worth. We are delighted to be able to play a part in helping their work to continue.”
The gift will be used towards the cost of additional materials and tutors to support creative activities in the Community Shed in 2020.
