Housing association Peabody has donated timber from its development in Rosebank Way, Acton, to the Men’s Sheds health and wellbeing charity.
The building’s timber façade was stripped and donated to Men’s Sheds. Men’s Sheds provides support and guidance to its members across the UK on starting up and running a shed. The charity encourages men to join one of 557 sheds across the nation to get involved in woodwork or come in for a coffee and a chat.
Those who have set up sheds say it provides a hub for creativity, and a space for social connections, enabling men to deal with mental health challenges more easily. The charity says they can rebuild communities and, in many cases, save men’s lives.
Peabody’s donation gives local Shedders a new project to work on together as the timber will now be used to build a scout hut that doubles up as a community hub in Teddington, south west London.
Lawrence Norton, delivery director for Peabody said: “Repurposing the timber at Rosebank Way into a new scout hut and community hub mirrors our core values of providing safe homes and promoting health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, we need to pull together to combat loneliness, and Peabody fully supports the incredible work of Men’s Sheds. Providing affordable homes that are safe and sustainable is our focus, and Rosebank Way sets the standard”.
Chris Manning, chair at Men’s Sheds Teddington said: “We would like to thank Peabody and United Living for the generous donation of timber. Repurposing something of this quality has added years to the life of the Teddington shed, and reducing waste is essential to protect the planet. It was a fantastic day, and we will treasure the memory dearly.”
Molly Hewett, social value partner for United Living Group said: “The team at United Living Property Services were pleased to be able to support the Men’s Sheds project with a large donation of wood. We recognise the project plays an essential role in tackling isolation and bringing community members together to enjoy creative skills and we look forward to seeing the finished products”.
