|
|
Magic moments happen when people come together to share their skills, knowledge, wisdom and friendship with one another. One moment you may be a listener, a student, or a teacher. Each opportunity provides the prospect to give and receive, what we do and who we are in the process.
So is the ‘feeling’ at Shedding. People serving. People sharing their knowledge. People learning new skills. People feeling self-empowered. People seeing each other in their vulnerabilities and in their strength. And all is accepted. All are welcomed.
As you read this newsletter, we hope you get a sense of what Shedding is all about. We welcome you to come and share the Shedding experience.
|
|
|
|
“Many of us think we are good listeners. We nod and smile and say “uh huh” in agreement as we listen. We wrinkle our brows and make soothing, sympathetic noises if required. But secretly, many of us are waiting for a pause to jump in with advice, comments, and our own similar story. It can all get a bit… exhausting!
Yet as we sit in a circle to check in at the beginning of each day at Shedding, we begin to understand that listening – and paradoxically, speaking – is a profound experience when we give each other space and respect.
As we go around the circle, small moments in each of our lives are told with dignity. They speak of courage, grace, heartbreak, peace, longing, anxiety, happiness. Some stories echo quietly long after the day has ended. The stories reassure us that we all share the complexity and wonder of being deeply human.
As each person speaks, they are given space for as long as they need, to express what they are feeling in that moment. Even if we cry when it is our turn to speak – because life is challenging – no one rushes forward with a tissue or a hug or advice. There is quiet respect and acceptance of each other’s experiences. None of us needs to be saved by anyone else in the circle. The weeks go by. Fragment by fragment, each of us reveals the ordinary yet powerful story of who we are. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. Without even being aware of it, a group of strangers slowly becomes a community of friends.”
Karen Smith
|
|
|
|
We have now completed our fourth Shedding on the Road with Kyogle Together. The energy was amazing! Participants, ranging from 14-80 years of age, eagerly immersed themselves in our weekend workshop series, including the hands-on experience of Tools and Tinker. This workshop was a 3-hour tool immersion with 16 volunteer facilitators sharing skills on a smorgasbord of hand tools and power tools.
The opportunity to gain skills with power tools created anticipation and motivation for all. Participants became acquainted with designing, measuring, circular sawing, drop sawing, hand sawing, angle grinding, sanding, drilling, and screwing and it was a time of wonderful interaction.
The support, encouragement, and passion from all participants from each community we have visited keeps growing.
Shedding on the Road began as a pilot program and we have experienced so many positive outcomes in bridging communities together within the Northern Rivers area and beyond!
Our next Shedding on the Road will be held in Lismore this coming weekend (on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August) hosted by Resilient Lismore. If you would like to find out more, you can check it out at on our website and email hello@shedding.com.au or text Sophie on 0490501745 for more details.
|
|
|
|
Every Friday morning from 10am -3pm a group of people gather to create. The number of participants typically ranges from around 10 to 20. It’s a time of checking-in, and then sharing many opportunities to play and learn about tools. Designing and building projects, sorting screws, caring for our equipment, salvaging materials, learning how to teach, and of course loading and unloading the Shedding on the Road truck!
Or maybe you would just like to walk around and watch what everyone else is doing. You can sit and chat, make a cup of coffee or tea and just relax. Our wellbeing mentors are also available (two-legged, as well as four-legged 🐶) if you would like some support and encouragement.
Spacemakers is an opportunity to share as we collaborate, chill, converse, create and enjoy the energy and the fun atmosphere.
|
|
|
|
Wellbeing mentors are an important and valued part of Shedding. Shedding is an all-inclusive space – all people are welcome here. Our focus is on wellbeing first, as a foundation for learning tools and sharing community spaces. Learning new things can be a challenging and vulnerable place for many of us.
We highly value our wellbeing mentors. They are a wonderful support to those within and surrounding our Shedding Community.
Here at Shedding, not only do we have two-legged mentors, but we are very blessed to have four-legged mentors, and we consider them cherished members of our community. We wanted to share with you pictures of some of these beloved furry friends. They will welcome you with a paw shake and maybe even a lick or two. 😊
|
|
|
|
What a fabulous group of dedicated and knowledgeable group of volunteers we have for the Repair Cafe. Not only are items repaired, but friendships are made and new skills acquired for those coming in for a bit of assistance. You may even learn how to mend that next garment, or fix that next issue with an electrical item or learn how to repair a mower or bicycle yourself.
Oh yes, and there is always a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly face to chat with. 😄
The Repair Cafe is open every Saturday afternoon, from 1.30-4.30pm at Shedding Community Workshop (18 Prince Street, Mullumbimby).
|
|
|
|
Come and join Shedding in a feast and some fun!
Our next Potluck Dinner is Wednesday 7th August from 6-9pm!
The first Wednesday of every month our Shedders and friends enjoy gathering for a delicious meal and great conversation. Everyone is invited to bring a dish, snack or dessert to be shared or simply invited to make a donation if you have capacity.
|
|
|
|
Regular workshops
UPSKILL
UPSKILL is the place to start your Shedding journey. It’s an introduction to the fundamentals of carpentry and building, and once you’ve done it you can jump into all our other workshops.
Day: 1x Saturday (check the website for dates)
Time: 8.30am-1.00pm
Cost: $50.00 (Can’t afford it? Get in touch)
Book in: Click here
SPACEMAKERS
SPACEMAKERS happens on Fridays and is our free workshop series where you get to collaboratively design and build a range of community projects. It’s such a fun time and a great place to practice your existing tool skills, learn some new ones, and share the joy of supporting each other.
Day: Fridays
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: By donation
RSVP: To book your spot email us, or just drop by and say hi.
REPAIR CAFE
Join our host of volunteers every Saturday arvo as we passionately share skills to repair all manner of things. You don’t need to be an expert, basically if you can turn a screw driver anti-clockwise you’ve got the skills we need!
Day: Saturdays
Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm
Cost: By donation
RSVP: Just drop by and say hi.
MONTHLY POTLUCK DINNERS
On the first Wednesday of each month our Shedding community comes together to share food, conversation and hands-on skills. We’re currently learning knot tying, it’s so much fun!
Day: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 6pm-9pm
Cost: Bring a dish to share or a donation (recommended $10)
RSVP: Send us an email/facebook message
Can’t wait to get on tools with you!
|
|
|
|
|
