We’re revisiting some of the beneficiaries of our community fund to find out how it has helped them.
Today, it’s the turn of Pateley Shed.
Who are they and what do they do?
Pateley Shed provides facilities for (mainly) men who are interested in making and/or repairing things and who may be looking for something new to do in a friendly environment. We meet for physical or recreational activities, members learn & pass on skills; support each other and perhaps provide a “listening ear” over a cuppa.
When they applied to Stonebridge Homes for a grant they had just received the keys to a former youth centre, after two years of searching for a venue suitable to hold a men’s shed facility.
We caught up with trustee and project coordinator, Alan Cottrill, to learn more.
How has the money helped?
The Stonebridge Homes grant came at a very crucial time for the charity enabling us to buy power tools, protective equipment and miscellaneous bits and pieces to allow us to operate the beginnings of a workshop.
The grant was definitely a spring board in assisting us to change from a small group of friends using our own tools, into a well-equipped charity that is really helping men in Nidderdale to reduce their sense of loneliness and increase their wellbeing while enjoying the banter and activity Pateley Shed offers. So, thank you so much for your support.
What work was involved?
As part of our lease, we had to refurbish the building inside and out which has taken most of this year during which our membership has grown from six to a list of 14. We now run two sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings although especially during the summer several members worked on the outside most days!
How are things going now?
We have been successful with obtaining other grants and receiving positive publicity in the local press and on social media which has help us to grow and importantly become more sustainable. We have had many enquiries as a result of this and our Facebook page is followed by a growing number of people. Going forward, we hope to have a website working by Spring 2022.
What else does your group undertake?
We do small projects for other community groups as Nidderdale Plus Community Hub and were recently asked by a local building company to provide bird boxes for a development in Pateley Bridge.
How can people get involved or find out more?
The group currently meet Wednesday and Friday mornings. Further information can be found on their Facebook page – Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge Men’s Shed
Community funding
At Stonebridge Homes, we will continue to work with local charities through donations, sponsorship and time given by employees. It’s important to us to give something back to the communities in which we build.