Shed Life, is a resident-led project, they believe that everyone has the right to live a life that allows them to get on with LIFE; good health, independence, friendship, enjoyable social activities and new experiences. They deliver projects that bring people together, specifically residents who are experiencing isolation and loneliness.

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Shed Life Drop-in

every Wednesday 10am -12pm

The Thames Community Hub,

Thames View Estate

Barking, IG11 OLG

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All welcome,  pop-in and get involved!

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Shed Life is a friendship network, that look out for each other. It is a safe space to learn and share skills, to build individual confidence and self-advocacy, to contribute to local conversations and to have your voice heard. Shed Life volunteers create new and interesting events and celebrations for their community, and specifically engaging residents who are at risk of being left behind. 

The project is designed to empower residents facing economic inactivity, homelessness, addiction, and isolation to rebuild confidence, community and purpose through the arts and creativity, crafts and trades.

 

Our members reflect all ranges of abilities and disabilities, cultures

and beliefs including from the LGBTQ+ community. Rooted in collaboration, sustainability and peer support, the project has designed and now built a new community space ‘a shed’, offering a weekly programme of hands-on workshops and skills exchange opportunities

 

Shed Life began in October 2018 initiated by local resident Pam Dumbleton and Humourisk Artistic Director, Susie M.O, the aim was to create an accessible space 'shed' at the Thames Community Hub on the Thames View Estate. A space for residents to connect, converse and create, with activities chosen by the group, ranging from from model making to wood-work, up-cycling to photography. The purpose was to help reduce loneliness and isolation and utilise the skills and talents of the group by sharing and learning from each other. 

 

The steering group went from strength to strength, collaborating with the architecture masters students at the University of East London (UEL) to design the shed guided by Alan Chandler Head of Architecture and Dr Paula Vandergert Senior Research Fellow, Sustainability Research Institute, UEL. With help from Barking Riverside Ltd the steering group gained support from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and VolkerFitzpatrick (constructing the Barking Riverside extension), who carried out a pro-bono ground survey of the land and in June 2020 and we were delighted to be GRANTED Planning Permission. During the 2020/21 restrictions we were unable to run our weekly drop-in, so we co-designed the shed interior with the MA Interior Design Students (UEL) during outside workshops at the local shopping parade and online student feedback sessions.

 

It's been a challenge and we have had a series of obstacles along the way; finding affordable and sustainable building methods, the rising costs of materials and engaging corporate partners who appreciate the social value of the project.

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          Thanks to the incredible support of:

• Shed Life resident-led steering group

• University of East London

• The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

• Clare Coombe, Barking Riverside Employment & Skills Coordinator

• & The Skill Builder Programme

• Thames Community Hub

• Bellway Holmes Limited, Barking Project Team, who generously constructed the unique building...... the Shed is now complete!

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‘Shed’ doesn't quite do it justice - it’s a modern cabin with panoramic views of the community garden, offering a a tranquil and versatile space where residents can make friends, learn new skills, take up a hobby or training, and simply be themselves.

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