Our Community Shed at Growing Together Thundersley is a workshop and a peer support group primarily for men. The Shed is a great place to chat with friends and gain a valuable network of support, working side-by-side on a variety of woodwork and other DIY projects.

I've been coming since April 2018. I enjoy the chatter. When you leave work, you miss the camaraderie of men in the workplace and I enjoy the all-male environment here. ' Richard, 64

What is a Community Shed?

Many men and older people are at risk of social isolation or loneliness, and it can be difficult to make new friends and to find a safe space to talk about mental health and wellbeing. The Community Shed focuses on peer support, getting people talking about themselves and any difficulties they might face. The handmade items that Shedders make are sold in our shop to support Trust Links' wider community work. The Community Shed is an informal learning place and Shedders can learn new DIY skills, or share skills with less experienced friends.

I've learnt new skills, and it's nice to walk into somewhere where everyone knows your name, It's a great place to make friends, and it's good for my wife as she gets a break!

The Shed is open from 8am to 3.30pm every Monday and Wednesday, and is run by volunteers. Currently our numbers are limited to 7 people per session as we have limited space in the workshop. Although the workshop is primarily aimed at men everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender, skill or ability.

To learn more about the Community Shed or to enquire about joining, email Beverley at volunteers@trustlinks.org, call 01702 213 134, or drop by at our next session to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator directly.