The Youth Shed is a project for 14-19 year olds facing struggles and challenges.

Based at Refurbs Flint the project runs a  woodwork-based workshop for individuals with neurodiverse disorders and learning disabilities such as ASD and ADHD, who may face many struggles/challenges:

  • Not attending school; due to behaviour, mental health, or long-term severe bullying.
  • Extremely isolated; with no friends or social contact and spending most of their time indoors.
  • Emotional dysregulation; trouble managing feelings/emotions, expressing themselves or controlling moods.
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resulting in inability to cope with anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, body-image and other childhood/teenage issues.

Our sessions offer a ‘safe place’ where the young people are part of a small group, with no judgement, where all behaviour is communication. They will develop creativity, resilience and resourcefulness, while improving their confidence, motivation and self-esteem, empowering them to see a positive future/prospects.

Sessions will involve practical woodwork activities such as designing, making and decorating items to take home; upcycling furniture/decorative pieces which their families may not otherwise afford; and activities on behaviour/emotions. 

This drop-in project is designed to be flexible, with daytime sessions extending into the early evening, making it accessible to those in school. The aim is to provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, build confidence, and work on their emotional wellbeing. Participants have full control over the activities, helping them take ownership of their growth, build self-belief, and develop new skills.

Sessions run on a Monday for the young people from 3pm - 5pm and on a Friday from 10 am - 1 pm where the young people can attend with a family member or carer. 

If you're interested in learning more about this project, contact Lisa at 01978 757 524 or email lisa.jones@groundworknorthwales.org.uk.

These sessions have been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund .