The Children’s ward at St Mary’s Hospital received a special delivery of handmade toys from NaShers (Nettlestone and Seaview’s Men’s Shed).
Members of NaShers gifted a selection of wooden toys including a multistorey car park, vehicles, puzzles, and animal shapes as well as some pens and pencils for drawing and colouring – all fitting into a lovely toy box for neat storage.
Reducing social isolation
NaShers was formed in 2018 by a small group of interested residents. There are similar groups, called Sheds, located in communities across the world, all with the aim of reducing social isolation by giving people from all walks of life a place to learn new practical skills, create, achieve, and most importantly, socialise.
Using skills of members to benefit wider community
Rob, chair of NaShers, explains why members chose to donate to the Children’s ward this Christmas,
“During our first few years, members concentrated on crafting items to help with fundraising as well as helping within our local community, with, amongst other activities, repairs for the Church and school. We have also seen how much the social nature of the Shed has helped members.
“Earlier this year we felt that we should use the skills of our members to benefit our wider community. It was suggested that we should make toys for the Children’s ward at St Mary’s. We were delighted when our offer was accepted, and we hope the children enjoy playing with them.”
Davies: Play helps calm and normalise a child’s stay
Dionne Davies, Children’s ward Play Specialist said,
“It was lovely to welcome the members of NaShers onto the ward. We are grateful to them for donating such remarkable handmade toys, they clearly have some incredibly talented members.
“Play helps calm and normalise a child’s stay on the ward and beautiful hand-crafted toys like these really help make a difference to their experience.”
Nettlestone and Seaview Shed is located on Seagrove recreation ground in Seaview village. It is open every weekday from 10am to 12.30pm and everyone is welcome to call in to meet members, talk about their activities and stay for a cuppa.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
