Why Support Us?

Rural communities across the UK are increasingly aware of the risks of social isolation on mental wellbeing. Community workshops like the Fressingfield Shed are a positive response to the question of "what can we do" to address loneliness and isolation in our fragmented society, an issue that was further stressed during COVID when the anxiety of social isolation reached a peak with a resulting epidemic of mental health issues across the UK population. The health services are under increasing pressure and are aware of the need for social prescribing to combat anxiety and the risk of suicide which is especially high in the adult male population - the advice is to get out, meet new people, contribute to community activities and learn new skills. Addressing these mental wellbeing issues is one of the primary drivers of why we set up the Shed.

The sustainability ethos of the Shed involves repurposing, repairing and gardening to promote environmental awareness and help each member and our local community to reduce carbon footprint. Donors who are interested in combatting the climate emergency and finding ways to support local communities to become educated around these issues while taking positive social action can find a partner in the Fressingfield Shed.

Combined with our social purpose and focus on wellbeing, the Shed aims to have a positive social and environmental impact in our community by creating a space that is truly inclusive and open to all without exclusion based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Thank you to our current donors who are making a real community impact through support of our shed

Dust extractor - essential for machine working thanks to Suffolk County Council

First year of rent £2,040 - generously donated by the Fressingfield Parish Council

Set up costs for building & machinery many thanks to Babergh and Mid Suffolk Council locality fund for £1,000 and a special call out to Lavinia Haddingham for her support

To build a covered veranda for outside working - a big thank you to the Adnams Brewery Community Trust

Thank you to all our supporters who have purchased memberships, made donations, gifted second hand tools, and the given us the support of the amazing second hand greenhouse for the garden.

To build our garden raised beds for planting - thanks for a kind donation of 20 scaffolding boards from TC Garrett Roofing & Scaffolding a big thanks to Drew Whiteley and the team!

To realise our project of getting the shed workshop and garden up and running with an outdoor work area and inside improvements a huge thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund

OUR FIBRE STORY

thanks to our fabric donors

We believe in supporting the circular economy and using fabric that would otherwise go into landfill.

A big shout out and thank you to our fabric donors who have started suppling us with remainder fabric that can be used to sew up members projects, upholstery, cushions, and other crafts - and also help us with fundraising workshops

Haines Collection

Kvadrat UK Showroom

English Country Fabric

2024 - here's how to get involved as a donor

garden set up

machinery

£1000 needed for planting and site build

£3000 needed for tool purchase

donations of tools, supplies, fabric, wood and other materials mean we can repurpose and reuse for projects. Contact us today to discuss any in kind donations you might have

in kind donations

Joining as a member helps us to increase our community impact and raise vital funds as well!