Woodshed Workshop provides transformational opportunities to vulnerable, socially excluded and disadvantaged people, empowering them to develop the skills, confidence and resilience to thrive. Having established a partnership with Woodshed Workshop over multiple years, the Foundation continues to work with the team as they seek to increase organisational stability and growth.
Founded in 2018, Woodshed Workshop is a Community Interest Company that supports its service users with practical training and education, enabling them to participate in real workshop-to-retail projects. It delivers joinery, woodworking, crafts and construction skills to young people aged 14-16, young adults aged 16-24, and adults from marginalised communities.
Woodshed has an established alternative education offer for young people aged 14-16, alongside projects supporting people who are socially isolated, lacking confidence, and those with learning and physical disabilities. It also provides pastoral support for young people aged 14-24, particularly those involved with the criminal justice system as well as projects specifically targeting women and the older community.
Based in Sacriston - County Durham, the team seeks to address social issues in the local area by engaging young people with their services and reconnecting them to their local community in a positive way. Woodshed regularly supports other social enterprises and community organisations throughout County Durham and the North East of England.
With initial support from the Foundation, Woodshed expanded its offer to include an accredited qualification alongside all of the other activities that take place to enable marginalised young people to enter meaningful employment or to access further training/education and to raise their aspirations. The young people engage in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development (SETPD), with sector specific units in construction. Training is delivered at a person-centered level, with options from Entry Level Three through to Level Two, with Awards, Certificates and in the longer-term Diplomas achieved. This will create a full education offer for those of varying abilities, starting points, progression aims and exit strategies.
The team supports low numbers in order to deliver flexible and tailored support, achieving high quality over quantity. To date, the team has worked with over 150 people, many of whom have progressed to further training, education or into secure, rewarding employment.
The Foundation supported Woodshed with an emergency cash flow grant, due the reduction of traded income caused by COVID-19 and the lock down measures taken. Further funding was provided towards the salary of the organisation’s Founder, as well as giving ongoing advice and support. The Foundation continues to work with the team as they seek to increase organisational stability and growth.
