A roof over our Chorley Sheds
Chorley Sheds provides woodwork, arts & crafts, gardening and social activities to help reduce effects of loneliness. The flat Main Workshop roof leaks, the idea is to cover this with a sloping roof.
About the Project Creator
Chorley Sheds is a Constituted Community Organisation that was established in 2018 but closed due to Covid, re-opening in March 2023 through the efforts of a small group of dedicated, experienced volunteers who form the Management Committee and meet regularly.
The main objective is helping to improve the health and well-being of individuals, aged eighteen and over, from Chorley who have experienced life changing events or health issues leading to social isolation.
In addition to small garden storage sheds, facilities include Main Shed – 2 x 20ft steel containers joined together, fitted out and equipped primarily as a woodwork workshop. Arts & Crafts Shed – Members built 20ft x 11ft Shed for arts & crafts, socialising, and meeting room. Gardening area – with 20ft poly tunnel, small greenhouse and raised beds. Brew Shed -with kettle, microwave and essential brew making facilities.
Since opening, efforts have focused on: Completing repairs, ongoing essential maintenance, recruitment of Members and, development of the “Sheds” as a community facility.
Delivering sessions two full and two half days per week on woodworking, arts & crafts, and gardening. Each session is 2 hours long with time for socialising. Activities are constantly being developed, identified through consultation with Shed Members and Partners.
Membership of Chorley Sheds has grown since re-opening and now stands at 50 with age ranging from twenty through to 80 years old, coming from twelve of the 14 Wards within Chorley.
Partnership Working with: “Udevelop,” a local Community Interest Company, to provide facilities, projects, and experienced Shed Members as an integral part of their “Positive Minds” Programme designed to build confidence, self -esteem and progressive opportunities helping to enable individuals become part of their local community again. Chorley Council “Social Prescribing” Team referring residents to attend activities at the “Sheds” as part of their pathway to wellbeing.
Supporting local events where presence at Chorley Flower Show, winning “Silver Award” for our Chorley Sheds/Udevelop “Positive Minds Community Garden.”
Although a Membership organisation, there is no Membership fee. A small donation is requested to cover tea/coffee and biscuits. The aim is to be financially sustainable relying on donations, generating income through sale of Member made items, repairs or orders from individuals and fundraising as/when necessary for specific projects or activities.