Our Man Shed, which welcomes everyone, is an alternative to the traditional support services, where people can come and talk to others in a similar situation while engaging in a purposeful activity. Working shoulder to shoulder on projects from bat boxes to bug mansions, our ‘Shedders’ create connection with others and are able to offload some of the stresses of living with terminal illness, caring for someone who is at the end of life or grieving the loss of a loved one. 

There are 9 Session Leaders who run sessions in the Man Shed, which has now been open and supporting people for 9 years. 

Working with wood donated by local businesses, a whole range of items have been created, from memory boxes, mini tea light holders and hedgehog houses. One of our Shedders is making a cat hammock for her beloved felines to recline in and has already made a cat bed shaped like an old television. Assisted by Session Leader Andy, who made the resin front of the television, Soo has created a lovely place for her cats to snuggle. 

The Man Shed also supports the Hospice in other ways and is currently working to repair a wooden planter from the gardens; they’ve made wooden Easter bunnies to sell in our coffee shop, along with Advent calendars for Christmas. There is also a good range of items regularly on sale at some of our community fundraising events. 

If you’d like to be part of the Man Shed and have time to volunteer to support local people in this way, we are always looking for more Man Shed Session Leaders.