We're still collecting donations
On the 14th April 2023 we'd raised £5,010 with 37 supporters in 69 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Keeping a warm welcoming space
by Scott Jamieson in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire Council, United Kingdom
Total raised £5,030
raised so far37
supportersWe have about 50 members enjoying activities & socialising. We are struggling to keep our space warm & welcoming due to current energy costs
by Scott Jamieson in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire Council, United Kingdom
New stretch target
We are currently in premises that are way too small for us and our local authority landlord has offered us the 2 adjacent units. We require to knock doors through between all 3 units to facilitate free movement. This work requires a structural report to ensure the doorways are safely situated, and we then require to insert the doorways. With a total estimate of around £4,000, then buying materials to decorate the units to create a clean, pleasant environment for our members will take us to our £5,000 target. We would then look to install low cost lighting and heating to reduce our energy costs with the aim to make us as close to carbon neutral as we can manage. The existing unit we are in has been quoted at £1,500 so if we add this across the 3 units we are looking conservatively at and additional £5,000 one we have investigated things such as air source pumps, and "source" water heaters for hand washing removing the need for the gas boiler we are about to inherit.
Who are we?
We are a local Men's Shed offering a safe and warm space for men to socialise in (without alcohol) and participate in activities such as wood-working, bicycle repair/refurbishment, model making, 3D printing and music group. We enable an environment where men can talk openly about anything, including their mental health status, and have had people referred by local NHS professionals. All male adults 18 and above are welcome regardless of colour, creed, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We NEED to keep this space open in the face of mounting heating & lighting costs and we need to be able to buy raw materials in a world where costs seem to be increasing all the time.
Community impact
Our membership is 90% retirement aged, many of whom are widowed. The Shed offers 1. A working type environment if they choose and 2. A place with conversation and companionship. Many of our members would probably draw on social care resources if not for the Shed. Additionally we have assisted a few with suicidal thoughts after loss to realise they are not alone and to seek help and guidance from those who have suffered loss before them. This has been of huge help to those involved.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to ensure the survival of the Shed, plain and simple. We require to buy raw materials, such as wood, which has more than quadrupled in price since lock down ended and our energy bill which was around £60/month rocketed to £350. On top of this we see the inflationary pressures all are facing for tea, coffee, sugar & cleaning products - wood glue, screws, nails etc. We endeavour to make items we can sell to top up our public donations but these massive increases are all having an impact on our finances, and if we continue without this crowdfunding support we may not be able to absorb all these increases.
How we’ll spend the money raised
We will spend the money supporting our heating & lighting costs, particularly over the winter months. We need to make the place inviting enough to ensure our members feel it is a place they want to frequent. If we are able we may use some of any money raised to buy materials to allow us to produce items that assist in making us as self-sustaining as possible.
Rewards
This project offered rewards
£60 or more
£60 Reward
A resin pen similar to those retailing in high end stores for over £200.
£20 or more
£20 Reward
A dog plaque in the style of your pet breed.
£30 or more
£30 Reward
A personalised door plaque
£45 or more
£45 Reward
A personalised house number plaque