All-female DIY workshops in Devon awarded nearly £10,000 to give vulnerable women the tools to rebuild their lives

“Life feels so much easier. I feel normal. I have faith in myself rather than in a substance. I’m finally back in control and I believe that if it wasn’t for Women Build! I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now.”

An organisation in Devon has received nearly £10,000 of National Lottery funding to teach DIY skills to women who are vulnerable, unemployed or on probation, giving them the tools to construct a brighter future.

Based in Torquay, Touchwood South West is committed to empowering women to learn not only practical woodwork and building skills, but also how to build their own wellbeing, self-esteem and resilience.

The grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will help the organisation to deliver an all-female, DIY workshop scheme – Women Build!

Run for women, by women, these sessions help vulnerable people to build better relationships, foster greater self-confidence, and to reach their potential by equipping them with the tools needed to enter employment or further education.

From one-to-one sessions with a wellbeing coordinator, to supportive interactions with skilled female facilitators and other participants, Women Build! is using its newly-awarded National Lottery grant to provide a nurturing and friendly environment in which participants can work towards a better future.

When Joanne* joined the group in Summer 2021, she regularly smoked cannabis to cope with her mental health difficulties. By her third session, she has stopped smoking cannabis on workshop mornings, wanting to be alert and safe to enjoy the sessions and respect other participants. By Christmas 2021, Joanne had stopped smoking cannabis altogether.

Having started the sessions as an incredibly fearful individual without a supportive social network or hopes for the future, Joanne grew into her newfound confidence and became a valued member of a positive social group. Women Build! helped Joanne to realise her ambitions for the future, leading her to apply to a carpentry course at South Devon College in hopes of becoming a licensed tree surgeon one day.

Joanne’s story is not unique. In April 2022, Megan* joined the programme whilst in active alcohol addiction, but soon her relationship with drink began to change. She found accountability in the other women on the course, and prioritised attending the course without a hangover so she could make the most of the day.

Megan said, “I didn’t want to risk not being able to attend at all, and I didn’t want to let people down – the course tutors and other participants. Over time, mixing with people on the course in an environment where I’m not labelled or treated differently, I found I didn’t need alcohol anymore.

“I’m now attending the Women Build! course weekly, I have a part-time job and I’m part of a theatre group. These things are all so important to me that I don’t consider drinking as I don’t want to jeopardise these other things in my life.”

By learning new skills and being surrounded by supportive people, Megan’s confidence has grown, leading to a happier life in which she can hold down a job and feel comfortable within herself.

“Life feels so much easier. I feel normal. I have faith in myself rather than in a substance. I’m finally back in control and I believe that if it wasn’t for Women Build! I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now.”

Astrid Arnold, Managing Director for TouchWood South West, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players we are able to make a positive difference to the lives of the women we support by teaching them valuable life skills that include carpentry, DIY and how to take care of their own mental well-being, which often leads to a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence.”

Louise Arscott is the Head of Devon and Torbay Touchwood delivery unit, the organisation that oversees Touchwood Southwest. She said: “We have watched women with complex issues and challenges who have never picked up a hammer or saw in their lives, thrive in the Touchwood workshop. Being able to start with raw materials and make something tangible with their own hands gives women a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of hope.”

Rowan Miller, Head of Funding for the South West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will make a big difference to people’s lives across the South West. Our funding plays a vital role in helping communities to unleash their potential and it is great to see groups like Women Build! making a positive difference and continuing to support their communities to thrive.”

Over 250 charities and community groups across the South West have been awarded more than £10 million of National Lottery funding over the last three months**.

The South West isn’t alone in benefiting from National Lottery funding. Today it was announced that almost £135 million has been distributed to over 2,400 community organisations across England in the past three months**.

Thanks to National Lottery players, this will fund things that matter to communities, such as supporting with cost-of-living concerns, employment, young people, health and wellbeing, and climate action.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. In the last 12 months we have given out nearly £600 million to 12,500 organisations reaching every local authority and constituency in the UK. 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk