Community Shed
Community Shed is a woodworking space in Carlisle where people come to make things, share meals and look out for each other. Some people come because they are working through something difficult. Some come because they like working with wood. Most stay because of the people.
More than a workshop
The Shed runs regular sessions at our workshop on Lorne Street in Denton Holme. You will find workbenches, tools, wood, and people who are happy to show you how to use them. No experience needed.
A typical day looks like this. People arrive, put the kettle on, and get stuck into whatever they are working on. There is always a project on the go. Birdboxes, shelves, furniture, repairs. You can bring your own idea or join in with something already happening. At lunchtime, everyone sits down and eats together.
The making matters. But it is not really the point. The point is that people keep coming back. They start conversations. They look forward to their next session. They begin to feel like they belong somewhere.
Woodworking
Birdboxes, shelves, furniture, repairs. Bring your own idea or join a group project.
Shared meals
At lunchtime, everyone sits down and eats together. No exceptions.
Friendship
People keep coming back because of the people. That is the whole idea.
New skills
Learn at your own pace. There is always someone happy to show you.
Anyone. That is the honest answer
People come for all sorts of reasons
- Working through mental health difficulties
- Recovering from addiction
- Dealing with loneliness or isolation
- Rebuilding after a difficult time
- Wanting to learn a new skill
- Looking for company and conversation
- Simply curious
A lot of people who come to the Shed are dealing with something. Mental health difficulties, addiction recovery, loneliness, isolation, life after prison. We do not pretend those things are not real, and we do not ask people to explain themselves at the door.
Others come because they want to learn a skill, or they want company, or they heard about it and were curious. Everyone is in the same room, working on the same things, drinking the same coffee. That is the whole idea.
People grow here
Not because anyone tells them to, but because something happens when you are trusted with a chisel and a piece of wood and someone takes the time to show you how.
It starts small. Turning up regularly. Finishing a project. Offering to help someone else. Over time, people start to carry themselves differently. They take on more. Some begin mentoring newcomers. Some move into volunteering or work. Some just feel steadier than they did six months ago. All of that counts.
In their own words
Community Shed is a wonderful place, and we are really fortunate to have it in Carlisle. It is a lovely blend of being part of something and having an activity to take your mind off your troubles.Charlie, Senior Health and Wellbeing Coach
The mix of backgrounds among people who attend creates a friendly, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. It is clear that the supportive atmosphere makes a real difference.Martyn, Assistant Practitioner, CNTW
Part of Restore
Community Shed is part of Restore, a charity with Christian foundations. That background shapes the welcome. It does not shape the entry requirements. You do not need to hold any particular belief to be here.
If you would value a conversation about life, faith, or anything else that is on your mind, that is available. If you would rather just sand a plank, that is fine too.
Chris Harwood
Reverend
A reverend and a woodworker. Chris runs Community Shed sessions, bringing people together around tools, timber and good conversation.
Dr Garry Ion
CMS Mission Partner
A consultant building engineer who spent 25 years in East Africa and South Sudan, designing and building over 100 schools. Now back in Cumbria running Community Shed groups, putting decades of practical skills and life experience to good use.
Come along
Community Shed
Lorne Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle, CA2 5DU
Phone: 07810 299755
Email: chris.harwood@restorecumbria.co.uk
Part of Restore Cumbria