The People's Shed is a community space for people age 18+ to pursue practical interests in a relaxed environment, to practise or learn practical skills, and enjoy making and mending while building social connections and friendships over a cuppa.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- Practical activities with others can combat isolation
- It's an opportunity to help others and learn new skills
- It can offer practical skills to the community as well as a sense of accomplishment
"After I retired, I didn't know what I was going to do to fill my time. This gives me something interesting to do while having company and banter with the others."
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Railworld Wildlife Haven
Oundle Road
Peterborough
PE2 9PB UK
What to expect?
Members of the Shed tend to focus on building, repairing, and painting mainly wooden items, including bird nest boxes, bee hotels, bat boxes, puzzles, and models for the Railworld site.
Membership is open to adults over 18. Before you attend for the first time, the Shed Team would like to have a chat with you about your requirements, experiences in making/fixing things, and preferences, as well as their approach and capabilities, to see if they are a good fit for you and vice versa. This can either be a phone call or by arranging a visit to the Shed.
For safety reasons, they will assess your experience with various tools, machinery, and being in a workshop environment. They can provide guidance and training for any techniques and equipment available. They have an induction process for members who wish to continue attending, which covers orientations and safety topics.
No special equipment is required; they suggest you wear old clothes. Specialist PPE can be provided on loan, although regular members often bring their own, e.g. safety glasses, overalls, etc.
More information
There is a large car park at Railworld Wildlife Haven, which Shed participants are welcome to use. Access is through the Pleasurefair Car Park off Oundle Road.
The People's Shed is at the far side of Railworld, a walk of about five minutes, over sometimes uneven paths. It may be tricky for wheelchair access, but one member has used a mobility scooter to attend.
There are toilets in an adjacent building.
Attendance of the Shed is free, with coffee and tea available.
There are no membership fees. They accept donations towards materials and tools, but there is no obligation. If members wish to build their own projects, they should provide the majority of the materials or purchase them from the Shed.
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Railworld Wildlife Haven
Oundle Road
Peterborough
PE2 9PB UK
