close search

Men in Sheds at Merrist Wood

Funded on Spacehive 14 September 2022 Delivered 31 March 2023

Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.

Men in Sheds at Merrist Wood

Men in Sheds at Merrist Wood

Age UK Surrey By Age UK Surrey

We need funding to convert an unused building at Merrist Wood College into a Shed that will provide space for machinery so that Age UK Surrey 'Shedders' can socialise and learn new carpentry skills.

Worplesdon Delivery stage

30
backers
£5,467
raised
funded icon
This project was funded on 14 Sep 2022!

Age UK Surrey's Men in Sheds provides a safe and friendly space for older people to meet and socialise while learning new carpentry skills. Although set up to support men - research shows that older men are most likely to be lonely and marginalised - we plan to have women's sessions to as well as linking to other local groups who may benefit (e.g. older people recovering from cancer). Up until this year we have been fortunate to use a converted garage in Ash adjacent to the Japonica Court Day Centre. This centre has now closed - and with facilities that the men used. Merrist Wood College approached Age UK Surrey with the opportunity to use unused buildings in the grounds of the college. We have received funding to convert one building to house workbenches where the 'Shedders' will work and now need funding to convert a second building that will contain machinery which the men will use to cut and work with the wood. It is an amazing community project that benefits many groups.

What we'll deliver:

  • Repairs to roof and cladding
  • Rainwater goods
  • New windows and door
  • Heating and electrical
  • Insulation to walls and ceiling
  • New ceiling
  • Planing machine

Why it's a great idea:

The project brings many benefits, not only to the 'Shedders' who attend, but also to the wider community. Going to an activity and socialising with others is a lifeline for many people, combatting loneliness, improving wellbeing and building a person's confidence (especially after the pandemic where so many people were isolated and had to stay home to stay safe). Shedders not only make friends in a supportive environment they also learn new skills. The project can bring the wider community together, for example providing the shell of a birdbox for school children to build at community days. Partnerships with other voluntary sector groups, for example Macmillan enables other people who may also be isolated and lonely to come for tailored group sessions and benefit from the facilities with peers who have similar life experiences. Our partnership with Merrist Wood College will provide opportunity for inter-generational learning and socialising with young people.

Steps to get it done:

  • Completion of second storage area

Gallery

Location Worplesdon

About the space

Custom Location

Council

Guildford Borough Council

How will the money be spent?Total £5,384

New planing machine - £2,100 (39%)
Heating and electrical - £1,750 (33%)
Insulation to walls and ceiling - £320 (6%)
New ceiling - £280 (5%)
Repairs to roof and cladding - £250 (5%)
New windows and doors - £220 (4%)
Rainwater goods - £130 (2%)
Other - £334 (6%)

Costs Breakdown

This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.

39%
New planing machine
£2,100
33%
Heating and electrical
£1,750
6%
Insulation to walls and ceiling
£320
5%
New ceiling
£280
5%
Repairs to roof and cladding
£250
4%
New windows and doors
£220
2%
Rainwater goods
£130
6%
Other Read More
£334
  • Spacehive fees
    £258
  • VAT
    £52
  • Transaction fees
    £24

Total £5,384

Our Volunteer List

We're currently looking for people to offer skills and time to develop our project! Check out the list of what we need below and then use the 'Volunteer' button to the right to get involved.

Want to help?

Do you have stuff or skills to contribute to this project? Use this tool to offer something to the project creator.

Volunteer
{{comment.UserName}} Creator Backer
{{comment.Comment}}
{{comment.Comment}}
{{reply.UserName}} Creator Backer
{{reply.Comment}}
{{reply.Comment}}