Story
Link to BBC Documentary about The Squirrels Nest - founders Alan and Don talk about how they first met and what drove them to start up The Squirrel’s Nest. The film also gives an insight into how much of a supportive community the members of the workshop have become to one another, whether it be from talking about their struggles or working on one of their many carpentry projects.
The Squirrel’s Nest was established to provide a space where men could get together, work on practical projects and share stories based at the heart of the community in Tondu. Since 2012 it joined an international movement to give men an outlet for their creative talents, social networking and wellbeing via the concept of Men’s Sheds.
Meeting regularly and taking part in activities they have formed a place where members feel safe, no longer isolated and where they are able to overcome and improve their health and wellbeing at their own pace.
“It is an awkward truth that men find it more difficult to speak about their health. That’s why we set up the Nest a few years ago – we knew that if we pooled our skills, we could make something bigger and better than we had as individuals, whilst offering a chance for guys to get out and meet and talk. We don’t push anyone to share their experiences – they are welcome to just have a coffee and smell the sawdust!”
Since the start of Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown The Squirrels Nest Men's Shed has been unable to fully open. As well as not being able to provide opportunities for the community to benefit at the shed they have also not been able to sell any of the things they make or collect donations which goes toward paying the rent for the workshop space. They hope to be able to open again very soon (when rules allow) and I am setting up this fundraiser with a hope of raising enough money to pay for a years rent for The Squirrel's Nest Men's Shed.
I just wanted to say thank you for welcoming me to the shed yesterday. I was really impressed with it and pleased to hear your stories of how much difference it has made to you all personally. Something that sounds so simple… creating a shed… is obviously making a massive difference!
Squirrel's Nest is a registered charity - no1155938
