Build a Bench is a fully funded, referral only 12-week programme aimed at people who live in Telford and Wrekin, or Shropshire. It provides a unique opportunity to take part in weekly green wood craft sessions, combined with supportive action planning sessions at the Green Wood Centre.
The project provides an amazing opportunity for participants to develop new skills, grow in confidence, meet new people, increase social inclusion and develop their resilience. It is suitable for all abilities and no previous wood-craft experience is required. Initially, participants learn basic skills, including carving a ‘blodger’ from a piece wood, making a three- or four-legged stool and simple weaving techniques. The group is encouraged to work together and use their new skills to design and build a community bench, which is donated to a local organisation of their choice. The project also offers accredited learning and/or volunteering.
Build a Bench is community focused; it aims to prepare people for inclusion in their local community through progression onto other Small Woods projects, such as Woodland Biodiversity groups within the local community. Participants must therefore be willing to undertake the craft activity, engage in action planning and be focused on taking steps towards community inclusion, accredited learning and/or volunteering.
The project is one of SWA’s Social Forestry initiatives which helps reduce social isolation, increase community activities, builds confidence and self-esteem. Its concept and format have proven to be a great success, which we hope to support and train others to deliver across the UK.
Build a Bench is part of the National Lottery Reaching Communities project and The Community Foundation, which brings together communities to tackle the social exclusion that is faced by the most disadvantaged people in England.
