Our Climate & Disability Woodworking Group: Case Studies

Every Thursday a small group of young adults gather with tools in hand, ready to transform discarded wooden pallets into beautiful planters and window boxes. More than just garden furniture, they're building confidence, skills and community.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Our woodworking group brings together young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities and participants from the NEET Hype project (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Under the patient guidance of Cher, an education practitioner, and Barrie, a carpenter, these young woodworkers have discovered talents they never knew they had.

"I've been working with Barrie!" Max enthusiastically shares. "Hammering things, drilling. We've been sawing and sanding. We've done planters!"

The pride in their accomplishments is evident. When one of the group members, Harry, presented a planter to his parents, his mum called it "the most wonderful present I have received." She added that "Harry was so proud when he walked through the door" and that he "absolutely lives for coming to Redcatch Community Garden every week."

Discovering Hidden Passions

For many participants, woodworking wasn't something they had considered before joining the group. Harry is one example that has really taken to the group:

"The woodworking, for Harry, I don't think we would have even attempted to do something like that, because he'd shown no interest and no aptitude for it," Harry's dad explained. "What you've done, Barrie, is really special."

Barrie has seen tremendous growth in his student: "I've noticed a change in him, over a few weeks. He couldn't use a hammer or anything, now he can do all that—hammering, putting nails in, and he doesn't even need help. He can physically do it himself."

This transformation goes beyond just learning practical skills. When asked how coming to the garden makes him feel, Harry's answer was simple but powerful: "Happy!"

Harry's father elaborated: "Harry goes home with a smile, and he's very proud when he tells Mum at teatime what he's been doing. The first week he came away from woodworking, he was beside himself. He couldn't wait for next Thursday to come along. He was absolutely buzzing."

Peer Support Creates a Stronger Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of the woodworking group is the natural mentorship that develops between participants. Group members with different abilities learn from each other, creating an organic support system that benefits everyone.

Harry's dad pointed this out to Jake, a NEET project participant: "I think the other thing is that you've really helped these guys. It's like having an older brother for them, like a role model."

Jake, unaware of his positive influence, simply replied, "Um, I don't know!" When asked if he consciously took on this role, he said, "Yeah!" suggesting that this supportive behaviour came naturally to him.

Building Skills for Life

The skills being developed at the woodworking group extend far beyond the Garden. For Jake, the sessions provide valuable experience for his chosen career path in carpentry. "It's almost work experience to me," he explains. "This is my first step into dealing with wood structures and stuff like that."

Other participants are already applying their new skills at home. Joe proudly shared, "In my house, me and my housemate have been doing woodwork too. First he made a birds' house and now we're doing a stand for my bike. So I've been doing woodworking there and in here!"

When asked if he'd learned anything from the group, Joe confidently replied, "Of course I do! Painting, lifting, drilling. I've been doing so much painting!"

A Recipe for Success

What makes this group work so well? According to Harry's dad, it's partly about the activity itself, but it's also about the relationships formed with supportive mentors like Cher and Barrie. "They get the best out of him. It's not Mum and Dad, or a keyworker telling him what to do, they're encouraged by others."

Want to get involved or support us by buying a planter? Email Cath at cath@redcatchcg.com to find out more or head to our Online Shop to pre-order yours now. We are so grateful for your continued support 💚

NB: Names have been changed to protect privacy.