Testimonials

“I have tried to knit a cardigan so many times in the past. Without the patience and guidance I have been shown at the Woodhouse Centre I would never have persevered. I am absolutely delighted with my achievement. Thank you.” (SM, 72).

“This place gives me a reason to get out of bed every morning. We always have a great laugh.” (DP, 61)

“…in January when everyone seems a bit low, it was really good to see everyone coming away with smiles on their faces. It actually is quite a challenge at the moment, so an especially big thank you for all you do.” (EH, 101)

“I didn’t come to sew, I came because I needed someone to talk to.” (MB, 45)

“I feel so much better after a morning here.” (JR, 67)

“I felt so proud of my achievement this morning, I left my walking stick in the Shed by mistake!” (RH, 72)

“A warm welcoming space, everyone is accepted.” (JK, 69)

“That Yucca plant’s leaves made me bleed, but my goodness the flowers are amazing. I can’t believe it’s flowered 2 years running” (MM, 65)

“I like it so much I come 4 days a week. I like to do things, I enjoy the outings and have a good old chat and laugh.” (CW, 65)

“I think the Woodhouse Centre should be prescribed on the NHS, as it is so good for people. Even a weekly visit is a real boost. The Woodhouse Centre keeps people young, as it has such a great sense of community, comaraderie and fun.” (VB, 54)

“This place is the most wonderful place in the world and I’ve been coming since 2015. They do so much good here and it gives me a reason to get up.” (FM, 83)

“It’s marvelous, a good old laugh. Always something to do, good people taking care of us.” (BK, 72)

“It’s great for learning new skills. People are very helpful and it’s very good for a laugh.” (PW, 65)

“Men in Sheds keeps us old guys going.” (MW,70)

“Though we are ok on our own, we like the contact and a purpose to work for the charity on the same premises. Benefits us all. Good for the community.” (GH, 83 going on 14)

“Whilst working with wood, we make good friends and contacts without even making an effort. It just happens.” (PF, 70)

“Adjusting to retirement and being home all day is tricky. Men in Sheds occupies us and has all sorts of good knock-on effects.” (Several people)

“Having recently become a volunteer, I’ve discovered it is a wonderful way to meet people, and how satisfying it is on a Monday morning to support the SEND adults with craft activities. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming.” (JK, 84)

“The Woodhouse Centre benefits lots of people, you don’t have to pay to come here, and it is for anybody. People arrive and leave happy.” (MS, 63)

“I’m never sure whether I’m a helper or a member! The humour is very good, as is the friendship, amusement, and company.” (JP, 90)

“It’s a good place to learn crafts, meet people, make friends. Good excuse to get out of the house. Nice to help the community and give back. Although I don’t do crafts it’s nice to know I’m helping in some way, as it is very rewarding.” (NP, 50)

“It’s the company and always so helpful with the little things. Friendship, and a place to see old friends. Something good always happens when I come over.” (EH, 101)

“The Shed is not just about making things, it is about making life meaningful again.”

“An interesting and informative morning, thank you for organising.” (SD, 92)

“I grew up with this stool and now your wonderful upholstery team has given me the opportunity to see my grandchildren use it.” Customer

“I’ve really enjoyed learning to sew in the evenings, discovering the art of Sashiko embroidery at the weekend and learning to block print with my Family Voice support group on a Wednesday afternoon.” (MB, 45)

“Everybody has been admiring my bag and I’ve been telling them, I made it myself at the Learn to Sew workshop.” (AB, 40)

“I was not going to stay this morning, but was persuaded, and I have just had the best morning.” (MWD, 81)

“I never find the time to sew at home. It’s been lovely to lose myself being creative here” (AV, 66)

“I feel so inspired hearing and writing about all the great things we do.” (DA, 67)

“I come here to learn something new, but I always leave having felt immense kindness.”

“I really like the Woodhouse Centre because it’s really arty and crafty and I like making things.” (FG, 7)

"I like the way I can make anything I want to and everyone is really nice." (JD, 11)

Hazelwood School Y1 feedback

“Thanks to the whole team at The Woodhouse Centre and Men in Sheds for making this project such a memorable, fun and special experience for everyone. We all absolutely loved coming to collaborate with you and we all feel very grateful for the huge effort and kindness that we were shown.” BG

 " It was so much fun. See you in May.”

“ I like the Wooden bowl being made. See you in May. Thank you Woodhouse.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for everything. My favourite thing was getting in the bee van.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for letting us come to the Woodhouse Centre. I liked you making a plate. Thank you for letting us have the wool.” (HWSchool, 5)

 “ I love the hedgehog house and the bee talk and the man teaching us all about bees. (HWSchool, 6)

“I liked it because me and my friends got to touch real sheep wool” (HWschool, 6)

“Thank you for helping make our bee houses and bees and flowers.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for making our bee hotels. We love them.” (HWSchool, 6)

Example feedback about our workshops:

“Excellent – calm, informative, friendly and helpful” (SR)

“Endlessly patient, knowledgeable and kind. The tutors are enthusiastic and always believed in us. Lots of tips and tricks” (FW)

“Excellent workshop, thoroughly enjoyed it. 😊” (MB)

“Well supervised through each step of booking and attending. Better value for money than expected.” (SD)

“Lovely people. Felt very comfortable and welcome.” (AS)

“Thank you so much to you and your amazing volunteers . They were absolutely amazing on Saturday and the young carers loved the session.” (SH,)