PERSONAL

John McCarthy“My first impression when entering the workshop was of how friendly the atmosphere was. Graham, who runs the project, couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. The other members of his team are also always willing to lend a helping hand and give advice on technique and how to deal with any problems arising with your project. All levels of ability are catered for, no matter how low level your skills are initially. I feel that I have learned so much since first attending. I can't praise this project too highly.”

Lyn“Since joining the shed I have gained a sense of unity, purpose and the importance of community. It has allowed the ability to seek out new skills that I never thought possible to achieve and that are a true inspiration myself and others, allowing growth ,sharing and friendship to work magic. This I feel passionately benefits all with a sense of belonging, supporting hopes, dreams and shared idea's whilst coming together over a cup of tea cements bonding, opens communication and laughter.”

Allan“The Shed provides a safe, caring environment where we the participants are mentored and gently coached and encouraged to develop new skills, appropriate to their ability, whatever level that may be. The Shed is fully equipped with a wide range of tools and diverse selection of tools and woodworking machinery.”

Pauline“I found all of the volunteers very kind and friendly. This is important for me because I couldn't knock a nail in straight previously, possibly having Parkinson's disease doesn't help! My confidence grew and I made a lovely bird nesting box. I can't speak highly enough of everyone at woodwork, the whole experience gives me a feel good factor, friendliness, acceptance and encouragement to name a few. The group chat over a cup of tea is very therapeutic I find. If it should ever close I would feel very much at a loss, there's nothing like it.“

Geoff Conner"I have been asked to put a couple of paragraphs together indicating what I feel that I get out of attending “Woodwork to Wellness” in Saltney, Cheshire. Well, here goes……….
During the early part of 2018 it was suggested to me by the Brain Injury Team in Colwyn Bay that I may benefit my long-term recovery by attending the Saltney workshop. At the time they had been so supportive of me I felt that I should at least give it ago despite not having done any woodwork since school (50 years ago) and have no DIY skills at all – a six-inch nail and very big hammer is about the limit!I had always felt that if you wanted to get to know someone well a good way is to work alongside/with them, the Delegates seem to come from a background of ex-service men and women which I found extremely helpful as they had little or no barriers in meeting someone they had never met before. Immediately I felt included. When there is a tea break the Delegates and attendees gather together for a chat and discussion about old times all light hearted and not too in depth. Everyone is listened to no matter what rubbish they are talking, and there is plenty of rubbish, we are all there to have fun. My concerns about lack of skills were soon put to bed when I started to build a bird box which is a sort of “right of passage” the Delegate helping me ensured that whatever I produced was of a quality I could feel pleased with- it still is attached to my shed today. Not a great deal of skill or thinking required, which is ideal. My fellow attendees may have their personal issues and are all helped by the Delegates in an appropriate manner to achieve their projects and goalsI have not mentioned any Delegate by name as I feel that I may leave someone out, but I must say that all of them treat us with dignity and respect. Although I do not mix with any of them socially, I look upon them all as friends and all attendees are willing to help each other in their projects and are full of encouragement. It is not just the attendees that gain something from the experience as one of the Delegates told me that he has a good feeling because he has helped someone. For me that sums it up.
Thank you seems to be an insufficient word as it has helped my concentration levels and given me pleasure in producing items which my family are currently using."

Peter“I am 65 and qualified as a pharmacist. I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 13. I was diagnosed with primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in April 2006. I am a constant wheelchair user as I have lost the use of my legs and have to be hoisted from chair to bed, etc. My upper body still functions fairly well. However due to the diabetes and constant laser treatments on my eyes, I now have no vision to speak of in my left eye and limited vision in my right. I have no peripheral vision. I do feel ‘very hard done to’. I ask myself, “why me, as if the diabetes and all the problems resulting from that aren’t enough?”I have bouts of helplessness and depression. The diabetes I have coped with but find the MS difficult to handle as I’d led a very active life before the diagnosis. I always used to have some sort of ‘project’ on the go and regularly played golf.I look forward to going to the shed as it gets me out of the house to do something I enjoy doing. I am made to feel very welcome and I am so grateful for all the help that I receive there and their patience and understanding. I particularly enjoy the banter and I give out my own share too, the camaraderie, the laughter and the discussions that go on there. I really enjoy creating and making things and the ‘me’ time it gives.Over time I have made various planters including two airplane and one train planter. I have made clocks for my family and a jewellery box for my daughter and nesting boxes for neighbours. I feel really good as I always have something on the go and friends inundate me with commissions! I feel really good when I have finished an item.”

Lydia“My name is Lydia and I am Peter’s wife and carer. The shed has been a life saver as far as I am concerned. Pete really looks forward to going there so that he can carry on with his creativity and his projects. He enjoys spending time with a group of men which I think is very important for his mental wellbeing. As for me, I know Pete is safe and he’s happy. I tell him that the ‘shed’ is his workplace too! I am able to have some time to myself which is very important as a carer”

Keith“I am Keith, Peter’s son. I am really happy with the way the shed has helped Dad. It has given him a sense of purpose, a sense of achievement, a sense of value and a sense of self-worth.”

DETAILED CASE STUDIES

Click on the following LINK to read about extensive observations and feedback from individuals.

TESTIMONIALS

DETAILED CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 1:Early Background
My name is Mr “T”. I am 31 years old and live at home with my mum and stepdad. I gained an NVQ in Horticulture and have worked as a gardener in Soughton HallMedical Status
I have autism and a mild learning disability. I have sensory deafness in my right ear and I am prone to eczema mainly on my scalp. In 2009 I had viral encephalitis. This has resulted in a residual encephalopathy, significant and chronic anxiety and acute memory loss.My Feelings/Testimonial
I get very anxious when I know I have to leave the house but when I am out doing things I love with people I know and trust I enjoy myself and my anxiety is less. The anxiety leaves me very fatigued, especially after I have been in social situations. I worry about being bullied when I go out. I am not able to live independently as yet as I need help and support with everyday living tasks, getting out and about, meeting people and attending groups. I have always wanted to do woodwork but since 2009 I have not been able to return to college to do a course in it.Spouse Feedback
My name is “S” and I am “Mr T’s” mum, carer and advocate. I am thrilled with the change in “T” since he has been attending the ‘Shed’. He appears to have matured in many ways. “T” does not communicate with people when he is out, however he has begun to talk not only to the volunteers but the other members too and joins in with the group banter. He is very happy and content at the end of his day. Being able to attend the Shed means that “T” will be able to achieve his long held desire to do woodwork. This is something I feared he would never achieve following his serious illness. Time away from Mum & Dad in a workplace is extremely important for T’s wellbeing and personal development. It also provides my husband and I with some time together. I am so grateful that the scheme has been set up and for the immense support provided by Graham and the team.Family Feedback
My name is “M” and I am “T’s” auntie and carer and I attend the ‘Shed’ with “T” in the role of his carer. I have seen “T” grow in confidence, not only in a social situation but with his ability to attempt tasks. The atmosphere is a calm and creative one and this has helped “T” as he can get anxious quite quickly. He feels very positive whilst there, he loves attending. He smiles from the moment we get in the car and is still smiling when we get home. It is easier to get him out of the house when he knows he’s coming to the ‘Shed’ as usually it is a very difficult task to get him out. “T’s” is such a lovely, gentle person with a great sense of humour and I am so grateful to Graham and the team for helping bring him out after his serious illness. Whilst we are there we get to see some of the old ‘T’ again. This is something I wasn’t sure we would ever do so all I can say an extremely grateful ‘Thank You’ to you all.Look Forward
I look forward to attending and enjoy working with Graham and the volunteers. Without the ‘Shed’ I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the thought of getting out of the house, do woodwork or also start making friends again. Everyone is very patient with me working one to one and helping me with what I want to make. Although I don’t talk much, everyone listens when I do which is helping my confidence to talk back to them. I have actually started to look forward to leaving the house. I love the things I’ve made and am looking forward to making many more. I have made a bird house, a bug hotel and a bird stand and am grateful to everyone who helps me fulfil my ideas.

CASE STUDY 2:Early Background:
I am 42yrs old. I have worked in the music and entertainment industry for over 20yrs as a musician, technician and company owner.Medical Status:
I have been suffering from severe depression, anxiety and P.T.S.D. I am currently under secondary care of the local NHS Mental Health Team and undergoing CBT and EMDR therapy with a private Psychologist.My Feelings/Testimonial:
I have suffered from periods of extremely low mood and low self-worth coupled with feelings of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
During the worst periods of my illness I lost interest in things that I once found enjoyable. I have always been a creative person but my creativity was stifled by my illness and became almost non-existent. I have always measured myself by my achievements and when I felt unable to achieve anything it worsened my condition, causing a cycle of negative thought processes causing myself to become more ill. At some points I was unable to read anything longer than a few sentences, as I was unable to take in the information due to the amount of automatic negative thoughts I was having as well as the anxiety caused by them. This all combined into periods of psychosis, self-harm and detailed planning of my own suicide.I was put in touch with Woodwork to Wellness by Flintshire County Council's intuitive 'Next Steps'. Due to my anxiety I was first escorted to Woodwork to Wellness by my Support Worker and Wife but within a few months, I was able to attend on my own. This was largely due to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and the understanding and support of Graham, the Delegates, and my fellow members within the group. I felt able to learn new skills and re-familiarise myself with old ones. It has help rekindle my creativity not just at the workshop but also at home where I have been able to achieve things which I could not do while I was very ill.
Woodwork to Wellness has helped me feel confident and positive about my own skills and abilities. It has released and relieved me of the guilt and stigma I have felt about being ill with Mental Health issues. It has also helped my anxiety in social situations, as It has allowed me to meet different people of differing ages and backgrounds in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
Without Woodwork to Wellness, I really do not think I would have been able to get this far on my road to recovery, nor even consider and feel strong and confident enough to approach the idea of going back to work or helping others, as I am starting to feel now. I cannot thank Graham and the team at Woodwork to Wellness enough for all of their time and support.Spouse Feedback:
“D” was initially very nervous and sceptical about joining Woodwork to Wellness and at the time of joining was still very poorly; having frequent periods of time in the care of the Emergency Mental Health Home Treatment Team and under suicide watch. “D” was not a huge fan of the idea of joining any groups at all and pretty much every time he tried to join a group, he ended up not being able to attend them due to lack of self-confidence, paranoia and severe anxiety attacks.I think he was attracted to Woodwork to Wellness due to its creative element and I can safely say that it was the first and only group to be suggested to “D” where I saw a spark of genuine interest and dare I say a little excitement from “D”. He did struggle at first due to his anxiety attacks, but Graham was and still is absolutely amazing with him. He is completely understanding, supportive and helped “D” cope, relax and work through his anxiety. I know the group has also made a difference to “D” by the fact he has been able to communicate and confide in both the team and other attendees of the group. It has taken away the stigma that is attached to Mental Health and guilt that “D” has been feeling and as a result of talking and spending time together, I think “D” has been able to feel like a human being again – not just a patient.As D's wife and primary carer I cannot thank Graham and the team enough for everything they do and have done for “D”. They have transformed him and I am now starting to see D's confidence build which is just amazing to see and for the first time in a long time he is not only just thinking and looking forward – he is making plans – positive ones! He has even spoken about his desire to get well, fit, healthy and give back somehow, expressing a wish to volunteer and help others in some way.
Completing projects at Woodwork to Wellness gives “D” so much happiness and satisfaction and has majorly boosted his confidence, both in himself personally and in his abilities skill wise. He is now also managing to plan and complete small home projects without stress or panic and as a result of going to Woodwork to Wellness, he is producing some absolutely beautiful objects such as pens and even a bass guitar! The transformation is amazing!“D” is still very much on his way to recovery, but I am confident that with him continuing his attendance and involvement with Woodwork to Wellness, he will recover so much more quickly and successfully. Graham and the team at Woodwork to Wellness have not just helped “D”, but without knowing it, doing what they do with him, they have also massively helped me as a carer, wife and mother. What they do is priceless and I will never forget what they have done for my husband and family. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.Look Forward:
I am now more positive about my future and general outlook on life and proactive in changing my situation for the better.
I believe that Woodwork to Wellness has been a major contributing factor to my recovery.

CASE STUDY 3:Early Background
My name is Peter Lathum and I am 65 years old and I qualified as a pharmacist. I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 13 and suffered really badly with eczema from birth until the age of 17.Medical Status
I was diagnosed with primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in April 2006. I am a constant wheelchair user as I have lost the use of my legs and have to be hoisted from chair to bed, etc.
My upper body still functions fairly well. However due to the diabetes and constant laser treatments on my eyes I now have no vision to speak of in my left eye and limited vision in my right. I have no peripheral vision.My Feelings/Testimonial
I do feel ‘very hard done to’. I ask myself, “why me, as if the diabetes and all the problems resulting from that aren’t enough?”
I do have bouts of helplessness and depression. The diabetes I have coped with but find the MS difficult to handle as I’d led a very active life before the diagnosis. I always used to have some sort of ‘project’ on the go and regularly played golf just to name two things that I occupied myself with.Spouse Feedback
My name is Lydia and I am Peter’s wife and carer. The shed has been a life saver as far as I am concerned. Pete really looks forward to going there so that he can carry on with his creativity and his projects. He enjoys spending time with a group of men which I think is very important for his mental wellbeing. As for me, I know Pete is in a safe environment and that he’s happy and very pleased with what he does there. I tell him that the ‘shed’ is his workplace too! I am able to have some time to myself which is very important as a carer and important that we do have this time apart. I am extremely grateful to Graham for having set this scheme up and for all the help that he’s given me, but more importantly, that he has given Pete.Family Feedback
I am Keith Peter’s son. I am really happy with the way the shed has helped Dad. It has given him a sense of purpose, a sense of achievement, a sense of value and a sense of self-worth. I have been very impressed with the various things that Dad has made and they are of good quality. I also know that Dad is making things that people want and the exercise is not just ‘therapy’ but about doing things that are worthwhile.Look Forward
I look forward to going to the shed as it gets me out of the house to do something I enjoy doing. I am made to feel very welcome and I am so grateful , especially to Graham for all the help that I receive there and the patience and understanding. I particularly enjoy the banter and I give out my own share too, the camaraderie, the laughter and the discussions that go on there. I really enjoy creating and making things and the ‘me’ time it gives.Over time I have made various planters including two airplane and one train planter. I have made clocks for my family and for the grandchildren of various friends, a jewellery box for my daughter and nesting boxes for neighbours. I feel really good as I always have something on the go and friends inundate me with commissions! I feel really good when I have finished an item. I think Graham and the volunteers do a fantastic job. They certainly have enhanced my life.

MEMBERSHIP

Join Us!
Regardless of your background or skillset, we invite you to become part of our membership.
—All equipment is provided at the shed.
—Volunteers are at hand to assist you with your creativity and provide a safe space to work at the pace you need.
—Cafe on site with refreshments.
—Fully-disabled bathroom facilities and wheelchair ramp into the workshop.

Fees
Your first visit is FREE. Annual membership is £36 per year, plus attendance costs are listed below:
—Morning session (9am-12pm) for £4.
—Afternoon session (1pm-4pm) is £4
—All day session (9am-4pm) is £7