Peabody sheds timber for men's charity

The building’s timber façade, which was removed following a shift in building safety regulations, has been stripped and donated to Men’s Sheds, who promote ‘Shedding’ for reducing isolation and loneliness while empowering local communities.

Peabody’s donation gives local Shedders a new project to work on together. Rather than going to waste, the timber will now be used to build a scout hut that doubles up as a community hub in Teddington, benefitting the members, scouts, and the surrounding community. 

Men’s Sheds provides support and guidance to its members across the UK on starting up and running a shed. The charity encourages men to join one of 557 sheds across the nation to get involved in woodwork or come in for a coffee and a chat.

In aid of men’s health and wellbeing, sheds provide a hub for creativity, and a space for social connections, enabling men to deal with mental health challenges more easily. The charity says they can rebuild communities and, in many cases, save men’s lives.

According to figures from Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) mental health charity, an astonishing 125 lives are lost every week to suicide, and 75 per cent of all UK suicides are male. CALM advocates provoking conversation, bringing people together and building communities to create a future where people don’t die by suicide.

The removal of the timber guarantees the safety of future residents and ensures future purchasers can acquire suitable mortgages.

Rosebank Way provides much-needed new homes, including London affordable rented and shared-ownership homes, in the heart of Acton. With speedy links to the city via the new Elizabeth Line, Rosebank Way is just a short walk from Acton Main Line station, providing access to London Paddington in just seven minutes.

Sustainability sits at the heart of this development, with thermally efficient, high-quality homes that reduce energy costs for residents. Finding a sustainable solution to recycling the material has been integral, while supporting an important community-based charity.

Lawrence Norton, Delivery Director for Peabody, said: “Repurposing the timber at Rosebank Way into a new scout hut and community hub mirrors our core values of providing safe homes and promoting health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, we need to pull together to combat loneliness, and Peabody fully supports the incredible work of Men’s Sheds. Providing affordable homes that are safe and sustainable is our focus, and Rosebank Way sets the standard”.

Chris Manning, Chair at Men’s Sheds Teddington, said: "We would like to thank Peabody and United Living for the generous donation of timber. Repurposing something of this quality has added years to the life of the Teddington shed, and reducing waste is essential to protect the planet. It was a fantastic day, and we will treasure the memory dearly.”

Molly Hewett, Social Value Partner for United Living Group, said: “The team at United Living Property Services were pleased to be able to support the Men’s Sheds project with a large donation of wood.  We recognise the project plays an essential role in tackling isolation and bringing community members together to enjoy creative skills and we look forward to seeing the finished products”.