The project, called THE SHED, due to its links with the Men Shed movement, will establish a community facility in the town centre focused on supporting people at risk of suffering from loneliness & isolation and the detrimental effect that can have on their health and well-being. Most, but not all, are aged 50+, in an area with an aging population where people aged 65 plus will treble by 2030. We have renovated the first floor to a high standard as a commercial cafe and takeaway service which offers a welcoming community space as well as supporting sustainability. The premises has an overgrown outside space which we want to upgrade as a unique eating area which will offer volunteer opportunities for people looking to engage with a small gardening project. The first floor has 4 unused rooms which we want to renovate and deliver a range of activities / classes covering sports, play, arts and culture offering additional volunteer opportunities via our innovative Shed Ambassador Scheme
What we'll deliver:
- To renovate and equip 4 second floor rooms to allow us to link with partners and deliver a wide range of activities
- To renovate the outside yard for people to meet & to enjoy a quality food experience and engage with a gardening project
Why it's a great idea:
This is a great idea because:
- the area has an aging population with many people suffering from the effects of loneliness and isolation and the detrimental effect that can have on health and wellbeing
- because due to significant public sectors cuts and low levels of private sector activity community facilities such as day centre, leisure and cultural centres and
Steps to get it done:
- - creation of the outside backyard as a community garden and eating space called THE ALLOTMENT
- - installation of disabled toilet facilities
- - installation of lift to the first floor
- - renovation of 4 rooms on the second floor to allow for a range of cultural, creative and leisure activities
