Community shed organisation wants to expand

Forest Community Shed volunteers are fundraising to build a new barn

An organisation which helps lonely and vulnerable elderly residents in Gloucestershire is looking to expand its facilities.

The Forest Community Shed in Lydbrook, which is run by volunteers, operates out of a venue provided by the Orchard Trust.

It is holding a open event on Saturday to celebrate one year of being open.

Volunteers are also trying to raise £5,000 to build an open-sided barn where visitors can practice a variety of skills.

The organisation ran green woodwork activities at Wye Valley River Festival

Located in the smallholding of The Orchard Trust Day Services in Lydbrook, the community shed was set up to reach isolated, lonely and vulnerable elderly residents.

It provides workshops for crafts such as woodwork and gives residents an opportunity relax and to socialise.

It supports 35 men and women aged between 30 and 80 - many of whom struggle with severe pain and other difficulties.

Volunteers want to build an open-sided barn to support a new project working with green, freshly-cut unseasoned wood.

The group says the new barn would enable them to expand their range of workshops

"Using your hands to create and nurture has so many positive health benefits, both physical and mental," said Jane Trout, writing on the shed's fundraising page.

Geoff Trout, who runs the community shed said: "The shed is a space where people come to meet, people come to do a bit of work, to chat. It is pretty much come and do what you want."

The organisation was recently awarded Levelling Up funding from Gloucestershire County Council.

Mr Trout said the grant funding would go towards employing one member of staff and ensuring workshops continue to be available twice a week.

The shed currently hosts workshops on Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 - 15:00.