Swords Women’s Shed social inclusion

Description

Swords womens shed , was created in 2022 to connect and support women I the Swords fingal area , our man focus is connection and inclusion , and most importantly friendship, each week our committee create many different activities including health checks, information nights , bringing so much information that our older ladies would miss , we linked in with the DDTLETB and this allows ladies to re educate them selves , whether it be courses on social media, computers, yoga for dexterity, Mindfulness, our crafts consist of knitting, painting, clay art , so important is the connection made each week. Each tuesday we organise walks , slow, short, and fast this includes all abilities , we meet each week at Swords Men’s Shed as we don’t have our own Shed and thus has allowed both community groups to share projects as in a podcasts social outings , we feel we have accomplished inclusion in our community , we include pitch and putt, bowls, yoga, walking , sea swimming movie club , theatre , meals , our indoor activities consist of art and craft , reiki nights ,we supply all refreshments, and cater for special diets , we include every aspect of life through guest speakers these could be alternative health choices , menopause nights ,and we plan on including so much more. Swords Women’s Shed is an ongoing project each week we meet twice Tuesday morning and Thursday evening, we have 150 ladies each week registering for a place in our Shed. We do not run a membership this takes off pressure to keep up with payments, it’s pay as you go 3e , and 5e on Thursday we are non profit so every penny goes back to the shed , we have raised money for charities and sometimes raised the roof. We are a very vibrant group of women, who have our shedders needs first at all times , we have connected with fingal and they have been an amazing support to the shed ,
The shed was created by Glenda and Pamela, in 2022, removing women from isolation after covid , and opening a pathway of information and events for women who need the shed at any given time , pop in and out of the shed you are always welcome , our motto we will put the kettle on .

Aim of Initiative

The aim of our Shed, inclusion ,Connection, friendship,and fun .whether it be courses , activities or social nights we have it covered , including nit only our Irish population but also inclusion of different nationalities different cultures this is very important at our shed ,we have been included in Africa day , Ukraine day , and international women’s day of course , where we shine a light on all women living on our area , this gives a broader understanding of the way women do things their way , this also gives ladies ways to showcase their skills whether it be paper flowers, clay are , jewellery, mix media , bead art , we are extremely proud of out inclusiveness the shed ,

Who is it aimed at

We are aiming at all ages over 18 , but our main age group is 50 up ,

3 Steps critical to success

1. Inclusion
2. Connection
3. Keep it light

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Our major challenge is no premises of our own , we could do so much more if we had access to a premises
2. Getting people to think outside the box

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Inclusion
2. New skills
3. End to isolation and loneliness