Bellway has supported a wellbeing group in Halstead with donations of surplus timber which members have used to create wooden products for the local community.
The homebuilder, which completed work at its Oakfields Park development in the town in January this year, has made three donations of materials to Halstead Community Shed, based in Fenn Road.
The latest donation was a small lorry load of timber, with some of this used by the group to create seven cloakroom trolleys for Holy Trinity C of E Primary School. The rest will be used for upcoming projects.
Halstead Community Shed was established in 2024 to create a ‘Men’s Shed’ – a group to bring men together to share practical skills in a community, work on repair projects together and make friends and so support mental health. It has since grown to become the ‘Wellbeing at the Shed’ initiative with a range of activities taking place at its HQ.
Chairman of Halstead Community Shed Kevin Pryke said: “The Halstead Community Shed and its members extend their gratitude to Bellway for their invaluable assistance and support with our Wellbeing at the Shed initiative.
“The backing provided to our Men’s Shed not only enables us to assist vulnerable men within our community but also contributes to enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our members derive significant pride and fulfilment from the help they offer in creating and repairing items for local schools, charities, and groups in the area, thereby fostering social integration. Without the support of companies like Bellway, much of our work would not be feasible.”
Recent projects have included working on model displays at Bocking Windmill, refurbishing two flower carts for Halstead in Bloom, and renovating two Halstead Town Council benches.
Kevin said: “We only charge schools, charities and local community groups for the items that we have to purchase. These donations of timber allow us to support these projects by providing timber and labour free of charge, whilst also supporting the men that attend the Men’s Shed.”
[cid:0041bfa3-bcdd-4975-82fb-5a4db7093ffd]
Bellway Essex Sales Manager Emma Hawkins said: “Halstead Community Shed is generating positive results with everything it does. The Men’s Shed makes such a valuable contribution to the area because those taking part are using their woodworking, repairing, fixing and refurbishing skills to improve facilities for other groups in Halstead.
“And while they are doing that, the men taking part are being sociable, making friends, and feeling good about what they are achieving and that is so important for wellbeing.
“We were pleased to send our surplus timber to such a worthwhile organisation, and one that is making a difference to people locally in so many ways.”
Halstead Community Shed hosts a range of activities alongside the Men’s Shed including a community allotment, a women’s craft group, and senior fitness sessions as well as being a venue for other groups and local services to use.
Halstead Community Shed turns Bellway’s timber donation into cloakroom trolleys for local school
