Some time ago, as Shed Secretary, I realised that West Bletchley Shed would not be able to help those who, for whatever health reason, could not take part in routine Shed woodworking projects both for reasons of space, and because they could not be in an environment where the slightest amount of dust could adversely affect their health.
To combat the problem, I lobbied the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (the body that commissions and pays for NHS services), and through that lobbying, I was introduced to three other local groups – Planting Up, Transition Town MK, Redeeming our Community. Together through several Zoom chats during lockdown, we decided to form a Community Wellbeing Hub following the offer of some space by one of the non-conformist churches in Milton Keynes. As a result, we decided that our offer should comprise four core activities namely, a Community Garden, a Craft Group, a Music Group, and a drop-in café. We are now coming up to a year old, and our numbers have steadily grown from an initial 15 to now attracting on average between 20 – 30 people. As I write (May 13th), our number shot up to 38, perhaps because of putting on a Bug Hotel workshop.
So, what has this got to do with Sheds? Well, as the Shed Leader that spotted this need, I got the Shed to get behind the project and we have supported the venture with various donations to get the project started. These donations have come as simple as a decorated plaque to give the community garden its own identity, and the construction of bug hotels to enable a full-scale workshop to be put on.
The core aim first and foremost of the Grapevine Wellbeing Hub, as we call ourselves, has been to pitch ourselves squarely to those who live with life limiting illnesses, learning difficulties or maybe in need of carers to help with coping with day-to-day living activities. We found through local research that during lockdown these people were often amongst the most lonely and ignored sections of society. Frequently we have been told that its made a huge difference to their lives, as they now have something to look forward to on a weekly basis and to know that they are amongst friends who are not judgemental and spend time just speaking; many live on their own, so apart from going shopping or their carers, the Grapevine Wellbeing Hub is the only social part of their life.
Our most recent group activity has been the staging of a Bug Hotel workshop. I made a request to my Shed to make 30 bug hotel carcasses which cost absolutely nothing as they were made from planed pallet wood. Between the partners, we collected pinecones and canes, and therefore had the materials for people to just fill their own hotel and take it home in return for an anonymous donation to go towards developing more facilities for the Hub. To ensure non-toxic fixing, we used either window putty or a special type of clay. The picture below shows the participants enjoying themselves.
As to Wellbeing, we have just undertaken a snapshot survey as we come towards our 1st birthday. Comments are all positive and include such as, “It was one of the first places I felt confident about visiting due to Covid, they have made me feel safe and wanted”, “Friendships, company and the crafts are great, and the staff talk to me”, “Company, it helps me living with dementia and the ladies help me when I cannot remember”. These are not made-up comments, but freely offered. What a great advert for Shedding in action!
Paul Egerton – Shed Secretary, West Bletchley Shed