Swansea Shed scoops Community Heroes boost

A new community shed near Swansea is one step closer to opening its doors after winning building materials in our Selco Community Heroes competition.

Volunteers are working hard in preparation of the official launch of The Shed at the Pavilion in Birchgrove.

The group has now received £500 of building materials through our Community Heroes 2024 campaign, which gives community groups and good causes the chance to secure materials to use on a project.

The Shed at the Pavilion will also be a Community Heroes finalist later in the year and will compete against 11 other winners to scoop the £5,000 first prize, or £1,000 as runner-up.

Former truck driver Peter Harris, who heads up The Shed at the Pavilion, said: “We’re thrilled to be a Selco Community Heroes winner.

“The Shed is part of a health and wellbeing movement aimed at alleviating loneliness.

“We were very kindly offered the use of the former OAP pavilion in Birchgrove. It's a perfect site for us but it has taken a lot of work to get it into a useable condition.

“We are nearly there now and these materials from Selco will allow us to complete the final touches, including installing worktops for crafting.”

The group was originally called Llansamlet Men’s Shed but, due to a recent influx in female members, decided to rebrand as The Shed at the Pavilion.

Members currently meet once a week but, when renovation work is complete, there are plans to hold a variety of sessions three times a week.

Peter added: “Anybody who wants to come here can do. It’s not just woodworking – we are planning a wide range of crafts and skills.

“If someone has a skill they can come and share it with others. But above all, it’s about making new friends and combatting isolation by being together.”

The Shed at the Pavilion will visit Selco Swansea on Upper Fforest Way to choose its materials from the extensive range of materials and products on offer.

Alison Wong, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Selco, said: “We’re delighted to support The Shed at the Pavilion, which will be an invaluable service for people in and around Birchgrove.

“The group has worked really hard to get the building to a useable state. The materials will help to complete the job.”

Community Heroes is open to any charity or group which is at the heart of its local community and entries can be made online by explaining in no more than 100 words how the building materials or money would be used to benefit members.