Activities
Befriending
We believe we were all made to live in community, and befriending provides the opportunity for conversation, friendships formed and help in troubled times.
Our Befriending activity takes the form of a volunteer forming a relationship with an individual beneficiary through visiting the home and spending time with them, also staying in touch at other times as necessary. We would hope that a genuine relationship of close friendship is formed over time. Our guiding principle in establishing such a relationship is that supremacy is given to the well-being of the beneficiary and is to be governed by their wishes.
Men’s Shed
The chance to escape and be with men who come from all walks of life, to share in working on little projects with no cost or pressure, indeed to be as involved in doing and being as suits the individual. A friendly welcome, a bit of banter, and support.
The Men’s Shed activity takes place weekly in premises at the rear of the King’s Church in Chessington. All men are welcome, regardless of interest or ability and various power tools are available for use in the production of items suitable for the local community. Articles previously produced have included bird tables and wooden tableware. The Men’s Shed is also involved in establishing and maintaining the Community Garden.
During the covid pandemic the Men’s Shed was closed due to the restrictions and it became evident how many men were struggling with isolation and loneliness. We received enquiries as to when the shed would be open again and what our capacity would be when we did start meeting.
We maintained contact with the existing men through phone calls, door step visits and the occasional gifts of homemade cakes and jam, kindly and generously donated by charity supporters.
We re-opened in July and have a good number of men coming. There is a plan to expand the number of sessions to a morning and afternoon on a Wednesday and a new Tuesday morning starting from 26th October.
A successful application for a Kingston council grant has meant that we have been able to buy more equipment and provide a better quality of service to these men.
The sound of machinery mixed with banter, laughter, and the serious chat of life is good to hear again, and we look forward to more men getting involved in this aspect of the charity.
If you would like any more information about attending or supporting the Men’s Shed please do get in contact with Paul Reisinger, enquiries@sharinglives.co.uk or 07517 374 313
Wednesdays 10am-12 noon & 1pm-3pm
Community Garden
The Community Garden is planted with bushes, shrubs, trees and flowers, with seating, for the enjoyment of the local community. Folk can either gather in small social groups or be in solitude. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks can be enjoyed in a tranquil and safe atmosphere away from public gaze.