Shedlife, a local charity which supports residents experiencing loneliness, opened a new, purpose-built facility in Barking on Friday 26 September. 

Through council support they were able to use land at the Thames Community Hub for the permanent structure. Shedlife had been hosted at the Thames Community Hub since its inception, but with this new facility will be able to reach more people and change more lives. 

For several years the charity has been supporting residents from underrepresented groups in the Barking area. The project began as a way to help men experiencing loneliness but has since widened to support many more in the community. 

The new building was designed by University of East London students and constructed by Bellway. 

The entire project has been community led and both Shedlife and the council were keen that the community stayed involved every step of the way. 

The Council identified Bellway as the lead contractor for the project with other contributions coming through S106 commitments from local companies and projects: 

• Vistry Group (Beam Park) who donated a kitchen and appliances,
• The Skills-Builder Project provided timber for planters,
• Acre Landscapes, who provided plants and shrubs,
• CSS Group, who produced the commemorative plaque. 

Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Shedlife is a cornerstone of the community here in Thames View Ward and I’m delighted that the council has been able to support the building of this fantastic new space for them. 

“From talking to users and members of Shedlife, it’s clear that this new building will be vital as they expand their presence and the help and support they’re able to offer to the community.” 

Susie Miller Oduniyi, Artistic Director at Humourisk CIC, which runs the Shedlife programme, said: “The council have held our backs when the project was delayed, they kept faith and always gave us confidence, we never felt rushed or pushed. I really appreciate their support as it has given us confidence to keep going when project timelines failed. 

“Thames Community Hub staff have been a constant support and showed great patience when things have delayed the project.” 

Philip Francis, Land and Development Manager for Bellway, said: “We are very proud of our involvement with this fabulous local project which saw us build a ‘shed’ in Thames View. It was great to be at the launch of this building which has been designed to be used by the whole community. 

“In truth, it is not really a shed – it is a stylish, modern cabin with views of the community garden. This warm and inviting indoor environment provides a calm and versatile space where residents can meet up, learn and practice skills and hobbies and enjoy time for themselves.”