SEN SHED: This is how wood turning is turning around the lives of Sussex youngsters with special educational needs
SEN SHED provides safe, structured woodturning workshops for neurodivergent children and young people aged 11–22, including those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia. Supported by experienced woodturners and trained volunteers, participants develop confidence, practical and creative skills, social connections and a sense of achievement through hands-on activity.
When I visited the Borde Hill workshop of renowned wood turner Kevin Hutson in my capacity as High Sheriff of West Sussex it became clear very quickly why SEN SHED is so effective.
Wood turning demands your exclusive concentration. There is no room in your head for any other thoughts than the exacting precision that converting a piece of wood into something beautiful requires.
Kevin has a global reputation for his skill, experience, and the quality of both his work and his ability to show others how they might emulate the same.
He along with other skilled wood turners like Jean Whales are now part of this glorious mission to help youngsters through the relatively new SEN SHED.
Sadly, on this occasion – through no fault of his but the constraints on my diary – I did not have the opportunity to meet the founder and driving force behind the Horsham-based organisation David Weaver.
But David is on record on the SussexWorld website as explaining: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of achieving. At SEN SHED, we've seen confidence grow, friendships flourish and lives transformed through creativity, practical skills and the support of an incredible community. We've proven that this approach works.”
There are quoted examples of the difference it makes. One mother said that before SEN SHED, her son had never found an activity where he felt he truly belonged. Now he counts down the days until the next workshop, has continued with lessons and has joined Ashdown Forest Woodturners’ Club. Woodturning has changed his outlook on life completely.
Stories like his are becoming increasingly common as more families discover SEN SHED. While woodturning is at the heart of every workshop, the real outcomes are increased confidence, greater independence, improved concentration, new friendships and the opportunity for young people to discover abilities they may never have realised they possessed.
SEN SHED is growing fast but needs lots of support in many different ways. So do make contact if you feel equipped to help.
My visit was organised by Sussex Community Foundation.
[] For 20 years, Sussex Community Foundation has connected local people, businesses and philanthropists with the small charities and community groups creating lasting change across Sussex. Through local giving, strategic grant-making and expert philanthropy advice, it seeks to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.
[] The High Sheriff of West Sussex is an independent, non-political, and voluntary royal appointment. The office represents the Crown for matters relating to the judiciary, law, and order, while acting as a high-profile champion for local communities and voluntary services. It is entirely unpaid. Separately, Mr Shipton is the Editor At Large of SussexWorld and its sister newspapers – reflecting his involvement with the titles dating back nearly half a century.