Off Our Geographical Patch But On Our Radar

Registered Charity Number 1212037

Mental Health Awareness Week 12th – 18th May 2025

Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week – bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025 and the theme is ‘community’.

We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone.

Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

The simple satisfaction of making and repairing

Peter’s homework

A child’s bench Jacko has renovated at the Shed in the sunshine this past fortnight. Other Shedders joined in the project too.

Paul and Graham visited the Veterans, Community and Enterprise Centre, Newton Aycliffe

We were blown away by the visit. There are several amazing stories about this project which has (some) support from the military, but is a project that has to pay its own way.

We were greeted by CEO Chris Morgan. Our judgment? A very committed man indeed. Ex military and the project has that flavour.. For Chris this is a second time around, coming out of retirement to relaunch an exapanded project.

The first attender we were introduced to was Brian with his wishing well. He is partially sighted and does some of the work by feel he said. He was so welcoming with his camaraderie and banter – a superb living advert for the Centre. Hospitality is his gift.

It’s an evolving project that is acting as a hub for supporting activities including a start up business by one of the members. It has opened a cafe that serves lunches that is decorated as a scene from the trenches.

There is a range of activities that happen on different days including model making and soon a technology centre with Virtual Reality equipment and 3D printers.

Please take a look at their web site to learn more https://vcec.co.uk/

We thank our Shedder Walter for first visiting a short while ago, because of his model boat club interests. He saw the potential of what was being developed and so we arranged the visit.

From the FOGHORN MAGAZINE (about our sister Shed in Whitby Town)

HEALTH & WELLBEING page (words by Emm)

SHED YOUR ISOLATION

Read text to the left.

If you want to get out and spend some time with other people there’s a creative alternative to the usual social settings where you might just find your kind of people, and it’s not just for men.

They may look like they are just bird boxes, signs or planters but these hand-crafted items are doing much greater things than displaying flowers or feeding the resident blackbird in your garden.

They have all facilitated conversation, camaraderie and companionship amongst normal folk who are perhaps in need of some.

Back in 1999 the Men’s Shed concept started in Australia before spreading to New Zealand, Ireland,the UK, Canada, Europe and the States.

From 2013, Men’s Sheds started to pop up around the UK and it was in 2016 when the first shed opened in Whitby [district at Litt;ebeck near Sleights]. Former Whitby chap Graham Storer had seen the concept while visiting family and thought Whitby would benefit from a place where men – who might be struggling with depression, anxiety loneliness or isolation – can get together, be creative and socially integrated.

Now, there is a Shed in Whitby, one in Robin Hood Bay and one in Stathes. Each week they meet people (the idea was Men’s Sheds but women are welcome too) can tum up and activities are based on what members want to do. They could range from woodworking to gardening, DIY projects and crafts. Or, if you prefer, just turm up for a cup of tea. Regardless of what you want to do at the session, you will be welcomed

Creative distraction

Rob Shilson is one of the facilitators of the Whitby Shed now Graham has moved away, and this is what he found.

He said. “The first time you come through the door is a bit difficult, like anything. For me, I went to Whitby and was welcomed with open arms and that is what we try and do for people. It is not for everybody, but people who come are well cared for

“The concept for Graham was putting something can for people who have a need. A lot of persons who come, not all, have had isolation, bereavement and medical issues. Graham called it creative distraction, which sums it up. We are being creative and it is a distraction from the other stuff that is bothenng you.

Woodwork is very popular, we are making name signs and people are showing a lot of interest in those. One guy has been making a dog bed, people make planters, foot stools anything for the home. They come with an ides and, if they haven’t got the skills, other people will help them. Have a bit of an idea and it will be encouraged. Every member of the Shed including myself, has probably had a mental health issue and you are here because of that.”

Sheds work differently

While there are several other organisations across Whitby ant the county where people can access mental health help, the Sheds work differently

Rob explains it is not a ‘men’s’ Shed, it’s mixed, but we do have more men than women. They work alongside each other rather than sit and talk. Build something together and they will share. Two men sitting face to face doesn’t always work

The Sheds across Whitby, Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay used to get referrals from social services but these have dropped off after changes in management. Now members who refer themselves to the Sheds find out about them via word of mouth or postcards dotted around in local libraries and shops. There is a core group of around seven or eight people who visit the Whitby Shed “come rain or shine” some just go when they need and want to. Other members are people who are just visiting Whitby. However they access the Shed and whatever the reason, this concept has helped save and change lives

Rob added, “It is about being there with people, not so much the making. We have case studies of people who say their life has been transformed and it has got them through a very difficult time

Retirement Looms for Ed

Ed Horwood with Shedder/Beach Sweeper Elaine. We’d been out for a scone and cuppa to remenisce.

Ed Horwood is a man Graham first met in the early autumn of 2018. They sat on a bench overlooking the beck in Littlebeck. Ed was employed by (the then) North Yorkshire County Council as a supervisor for young people (10 – 18) in the criminal justice system. He had a lad who needed to make two bird boxes as part of his reparation to a victim. He spent a morning at Sleights Area Men’s Shed in Littlebeck making the first and the second one Saturday morning in Whitby Shed.

The result of the two sessions was very significant.

For the young man, the Shed effect of working shoulder to shoulder with his supervisor caused him to lower his guard – or rather his hoodie. He began to realise the supervisor was trying to help him get his life back on track. There were many factors at work in the youngman’s life but realising that people cared enough to put themselves out for him began to have an influence on his attitude and engagement. The young man wanted to be a carpenter. The victim was a retired builder. Seeing how the young man had begun to respond caused the victim to donate tools to him.

For the supervisor it was an eye-opener to work with the Sheds and to realise the secret to get through to others was working together. Ed created the novel Pop Up Shed (portable bench, battery tools, hand tools etc) carried to the individuals in the boot of his car. That has run since 2019 and had national recognition. The approach of doing is now being put in the hands of two new workers.

Ed came to Whitby Shed again today (after more than 6 years) to meet Graham before hios final meeting with a young person in the afternoon in Scarborough. Ed shared a liitle of his work with the Shedders present (they even stopped work to listen).

Ed is a very inspirational person. A caring person. However, one who is by nature a humble (not lowly!) man.

Today’s visit was the first time Ed had seen 3D printing in action (thanks to Aidan). He also placed an order for a CNC manufactured notice for his front garden “Wildflower Lawn”.

Ed was a man on the frontline with young people. We should all be grateful for people like him.

Off to the Land of Iron on Thursday 29th for a Techy Day

For some learning together for half a dozen Shedders from Norton, Whitby and Staithes. 10am – 3pm with lunch at the adjacent cafe.

Printing, design, scanning and possibly experiencing some Vitual Reality too. A get on and do occasion. Contact Paul or Graham.

Aidan of Whitby Town Shed has written this introduction to 3D printing to interest locals over the moor.

3D printers. You’ve probably heard of them and you might have seen or used something they produce.
A lucky few get to play with them. We want to give everyone access to this revolution in making!

What is a 3D printer?

It’s the transition between the digital and physical world!
Ever wanted to download a “thing”? Now we can.
3D printers are a modern take on CAM (computer aided manufacturing)
The machine’s moving head melts a thin line of plastic and uses it to “draw” shapes one on top of the other, stacking them up until you have a real thing matching what you drew on the computer screen.

Why 3D printing?

For speed and collaboration.

Once upon a time, collaboration on a product would mean drawing one part, then handing that sheet to the next person, discussing it then drawing it again.
If you weren’t in the same room this could be very slow especially by snail mail.
Thjrough the internet sharing a digital design with like minded creators is instant. We can share the digital version of parts with colleagues anywhere in the world and with a simple webcam and microphone we can talk about it and edit together in real time!

Whitby, Norton, Australia or Spain – everyone can participate.

Plastic parts used to be the domain of large companies; milling and cutting requires large expensive machines. Plastic molding has very long wait times and the tiniest change means waiting again.

However, 3D printers aren’t instant, a 4″ railway house might take a few hopurs. But compared to a week for mold making and another week shipping from China it’s super fast especially when you want 10 different designs not 1000s of identical items.

How do we use a 3D printer?

We can use a printer to make small detailed parts and features for projects like a model railway.
The process seems daunting but it’s not as bad as it seems. Many ready made models are available online, ready to print, and quite often for free!
If you can’t find exactly what you want (or want to modify what you found) we use CAD, computer aided design. We make a digital model viewable in 3D on the screen.
TinkerCad by reputable AutoCad is a fast and super easy to learn application that works entirely online. It’s totally free! You can use it at home too.

Just drop some component simple shapes down – cubes, cylindeers, cones with some holes if needed; perhaps add some text and you have a simple design.

Next we need to slice, slice, slice it into a long list of numbers to tell the printer where to move to, step by step. Not to worry, another CAD program will do this for us. We use “Creality Print” perfect for our Creality printing machines but follow the manufacturers recommendation for the machine you have.

Alll those numbers are referred to as “g-code”. It’s the universal language. You copy the g-code file to your printers memory card or transfer it wirelessly and press play! Soon you’ll have a real, solid, plastic thing! Something to hold.

Want to learn more, or have a go yourself?

From June, Whitby Town Shed will be open every Thursday morning 10am-1pm focusing on the technology of a modern maker. Located in Whitby Eskmouth Scout Hall on Spring Hill just above Trillo’s. (If you live near Whitby!!)

The Shed and this activity is particularly suited to people who maybe have time on their hands and need some social time too. Maybe see you there?

Chris McDonald MP posted on Facebook this video of his visit.

It was a real pleasure to visit the Norton Men’s Shed at the Sports Complex and Mental Health Awareness Week feels like the perfect moment to shine a light on what they do.

From intricate woodwork to 3D printing and model boat building, this is a place for practical projects – but more importantly, it’s a place for people.

Graham, one of the founding members, told me how the Shed was born out of a need for connection. What started with just a few men meeting for a chat has grown into a welcoming community of over 30 members and it’s open to anyone who wants to join.

It’s hard to overstate the value of this kind of space. The Shed offers purpose, companionship, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger. You don’t need to be handy with a saw – just brew a cuppa and spend a bit of time.

If you’re in Norton or nearby and looking for some company, new skills or just a warm welcome – the door is open. And if you get lucky, you might even leave with a golden egg cup!

Well, a very good message from Chris, and a very similar message came from Matt Vickers from the “opposing party”. There are Sheders from various political positions and politics is not a Shed topic other than when we want a good old grumble. I (Graham) can honestly say that I heard no negative comments about either MPs visits because their politics was not ob show but the straightforward message and stories of Shedders was! As was said in the original letter of invitation to all MPs (and Ben Houchen), mental health is an issue for everybody. All parties, all services, all volunteer-driven projects and every family.

We wanted MPs (and we welcomed a SBC Councillor too) to see matters in a personal way too – contrary to popular belief, politicians (and others who work at higher levels!) are human beings who bleed like the rest of us. Like us, they can easily find themselves in lonely situations of decision making.

The video Chris published on Facebook (as did Matt) is below. Graham just wishes he had tucked his shirt in!

Facebook Link

Calling at All Stations to Daisy Chain

The Shed is endeavouring to do favours for our neighbours Daisy Chain.

Using 3D design and printing. We are doing some trial ideas ahead of a meeting next Tuesday.

Paul with the start of a table feature!

Another piece of the item

Another potential piece of their jigsaw.

The base for something. Wonder what?

And we had visitors today that included two Social Prescribing Link Workers and Claire, a lady who is contemplating something that sounds like a Shed for Mechanics! We were pleased that Claire was able to meet Debs to discover their key role in our project. Helping people is a team effort :-). Claire paid for her visit by providing a very relevant connection to Teesside University. Graham had written of the need for just this in a project outline for Whitby District (and very relevant to Teesside too!).

Claire Horn meets Deb Coatesworth with only the Men’s Shed coming between them!

Dennis reading his scale drawing of Locomotion No. 1 wheels being made now.

Very excitable are Whitby Shedders. Aidan completes a refreshment cabin at the YMCA facility close to St. Mary’s