By Patrick Abrahams, UKMSA Ambassador
On Tuesday, June 30th, the Burnham and Highbridge Men’s Shed welcomed some very special guests from Burnham’s “Somewhere House” —a local Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre—to celebrate a truly inspiring partnership.
Building Skills, Building Hope
Recently, the amazing Shed members have been teaming up with clients from Somewhere House, teaching them the woodworking skills needed to craft their very own personal “Toolboxes.”
These aren’t just any boxes. As Tim from Somewhere House beautifully explained:
“Our clients use these boxes to store items that will be vital to them on their recovery journey. Up until now, they’ve been using cardboard shoeboxes, which are just too flimsy and don’t last. These new plywood boxes are tough, durable, and built to last—just like their recovery.”
The hands-on sessions have been a massive hit, engaging the clients and sparking a brand-new passion for making. Even better, the Shed has welcomed several clients into their regular session times as ‘Burnham Shedders.”
A Generous Gift & an exciting new gadget!
To say “thank you” for the incredible impact these sessions have had, Somewhere House surprised the Shed with a super-generous £500 donation!
They wasted no time in putting the money to great use. They’ve already re-invested it into a brilliant new 10W Diode Engraving Cutting Machine, which is going to open up some amazing new creative possibilities for all the Shed members. One member refers to it as the “wood tattooing machine”
Also present at the event, was Patrick Abrahams, UK Men’s Shed Association Ambassador. He said “Somewhere House is a really worthwhile organisation and is exactly the kind of community group that the Men’s Shed like to get involved with. It’s brilliant to see the Burnham, and Highbridge Shed working so effectively with a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. Well done to all concerned”
This is just the beginning! Tim from Somewhere House let everyone know that they are genuinely looking forward to continuing this fantastic partnership long into the future.
A massive thank you to Somewhere House, and congratulations to all the Shedders involved in making this happen. Together, the Burnham and Highbridge Shed are really are building a stronger community!