The Co-operative Funeralcare - Westbury

Westbury Community Shed is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 2015. Whilst based on the Men’s Shed ethos first developed in Australia, where it was recognised that men’s emotional well-being was at risk due to social isolation and lack of community engagement, Westbury chose to make our Shed a Community group to involve both men and women. It was initially developed by a group of like-minded individuals wishing to develop a workshop where members of the community could meet, share skills and knowledge; make new friendships and connections within the local area. The benefits of projects such as this are well documented and include the reduction in social isolation and increase in emotional well-being for members, reduction of access to health services and benefits to the wider community. The starting point for Westbury shed was free access to an overgrown council allotment plot for one year. Hard work resulted in a small garden shed being erected, where the roots of the ‘Shed’ were planted. From there, following countless enquiries about workshop premises a small work unit was identified, with running costs and provision of tools funded by members and small donations. A recent, larger donation has enabled us to increase the size of our workshop premises to include a ‘quiet’ space where members can meet more easily to chat over tea and biscuits and ‘set the world to rights’. Simple things such as these are sometimes more important than the ‘making and fixing’ activities which our members enjoy, allowing members to feel valued and provide them with an enhanced sense of worth and self-esteem, often reduced during retirement, ill-health or isolation. Members have trained with, and engage with, the Westbury Dementia Awareness strategy. Alongside undertaking individual projects, shed members have completed community projects for example constructing the Santa Grotto for the Town Christmas festivities, repaired finger-posts in the town, repaired the Visitor Centre signage held a Repair Cafe and supported the Waste Free Lunch, helping reduce the number of items being sent to landfill and promoting environmental issues. Members have provided general repairs and gardening to local community groups, attended events at the Opportunity Farm for young people with disabilities, helped with restoration of a local heritage site and supported local village initiatives, upcycling chairs in a ‘Transform-a-Chair’ event raising church funds. In recognition of the work within the wider community our Shed was given a Civic Award by Westbury Town Council. The Shed Community Allotment enables members to be involved in growing vegetables and fruit from which they benefit. It is planned to offer surplus produce to the Westbury Community Fridge; we all know how quickly courgettes and beans grow! Allotment members have also recycled a garden shed, donated by a member of the community in exchange for dismantling and removal.

The foundation raises money to support children who have suffered bereavement. We can offer support to the children and their families through grants that can be used in several different ways, from counselling and play therapy, purchase of equipment, through to memberships of clubs and associations that can help the child through involvement and inclusion. There are many different ways the grants can be used as each child's circumstances and needs will be unique. My name is Nick Jones. I would describe myself as an average, every day, hardworking family man. However, in 2011 I suffered a TIA (stroke), and in 2016 had a defibrillator fitted following an episode of VT (ventricular tachycardia), a type of regular and fast heartbeat. In 2017 – aged 49 – I received devastating news when doctors told me they could help me no more and that I was unlikely to see my 50th birthday. Two years on and I’m still here fighting! I have two children: Cameron aged 16 and Lara aged 14. Having suffered bereavement myself – I lost my mum suddenly when I was just 11, and my dad at the age of 28, due to heart attack – I understand the impact of loss. Experiencing bereavement at such a young age devastated me. I recall how little support I received at the time: there was a card of condolence, but no help from school or the Local Authority. I had to deal with the issue on my own, and the world is a scary place when you have lost the people upon whom you rely. Loneliness is just one aspect; you also feel angry, upset, annoyed… I can go on. I am painfully aware of the heartache my children will go through, and this has made me determined to not take this lying down. I am not going without a fight – and not without making a difference in this world. This Foundation is the difference I intend to make. It is not about me; it is about ensuring that support is available for children whose lives have been ripped apart by losing someone close. I want to help these children to cope, so they can come to terms with whatever has happened. I already know the value of such assistance. My family and I have had the generous support of Dorothy House, whom I cannot thank enough for all they have done. However, this is not enough…I want this type of support to become proactive rather than merely reactive – and with this Foundation we can help! My dream is that this Foundation will raise to support schools and local authorities so they can help children who suffer bereavement. I don’t do things by halves. Following a very successful fundraising ball in March 20185, I agreed to tackle Everest as I believe there is no such word as “can’t” in this world. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I completed it and live to tell the tale! I have an incredible team of seven behind me – as well as Peter Andre, who has agreed to be Ambassador for the Foundation. I ask you to join us on this journey. Together we can make a difference.