When you lose your sight, you’re plunged into darkness. It feels as though you’ll be forever in the dark. Mental health challenges can have the same impact. I know, from my own experiences of both of these life changes that, ultimately, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Since 2016 I’ve travelled around the UK several times and, most recently, demonstrated my woodturning skills in Europe. I’ve shared my story of sight loss and the mental health challenges that accompanied that.
In 2018, I was asked to be Patron of the UK Men’s Sheds Association, an organisation that supports sheds across the UK which welcome people who may be struggling with their mental health, be recently bereaved or are isolated and lonely. Sheds provides a maker space for members and demonstrate time and again how being creative can help people find community and friendship, and get back on their feet.
This year, Nicola and I want to focus on speaking to larger audiences about improving accessibility for those who are blind and visually impaired, and spreading the word about the amazing difference that sheds are making to so many.
I’ll still be woodturning and teaching but we see, each year, an increase in the numbers of people who find life challenging so, in 2025, we want to share a story of hope for anyone who would like to listen.