A Redditch charity has been awarded an early Christmas present to help them in their mission to combat loneliness.

Redditch Community Shed was awarded the £10,000 grant from the National Lottery’s Awards for All in recognition of their valuable work.

The team helps tackle social isolation through shared activities including woodworking and crafting in a safe environment where people can chat over a cup of tea as they work on their projects.

Treasurer of Redditch Community Shed, Dean Bruton, said: “I cannot tell you how pleased we are that we were successful in being awarded the £10,000 grant from the National Lottery.

“We provide a woodworking workshop, crafting area and a social space where mainly retired people, but not exclusively, can get involved on projects and hobbies to improve their health and wellbeing.

“The Lottery Grant funding will enable the great work we do to continue.”

The team has thanked the National Lottery for their generosity in awarding them the grant as well as their main sponsors for the last 12 months including the Asda Foundation, the Harry Payne Foundation and West Mercia Police.

The organisation operates from its premises at Unit 7, George Walk at the Kingfisher Centre and are open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

For more information visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redditchcommunitysheds or the website at www.redditchcommunityshed.co.uk