The Neumark Foundation exists to support charitable organisations. We see our role as being supportive and kind – values that continue to be present in abundance across communities. We proactively build and maintain relationships in a wide range of sectors, listening to how areas that we are interested in supporting are operate. Using our assets as a funder and connector, we strive to make a difference. Youth Shedz is a perfect example of this.
When we first met Youth Shedz Founder, Scott Jenkinson, at the Youth Shed in Denbigh, we were inspired by Scott’s story and his huge passion for helping young people to turn their lives around. Scott established the charity to support young people facing personal challenges that threaten their future and quality of life. His goal is to establish a Youth Shed in every town. In 2023, he approached The Neumark Foundation for support in hiring a Coordinator to assist Scott with development, and we were absolutely delighted to say yes. They appointed Cara in 2023, who has made an impactful contribution to their work.
The Neumark Foundation has just awarded Youth Shedz a further grant of £37,000 to enable their development work to continue.
The impact of their work is highlighted by George’s story.
Case Study: George’s Journey at Kinmel Bay Shedz
George, an 18-year-old volunteer, approached us to volunteer in the Spring of 2024. He actively volunteers once a week in a community café through Kinmel Bay Church, but is not working after a period of anxiety, and felt he wanted to get involved in something. His mother approached Youth Shedz.
Since joining the Denbigh Shed, George has thrived. His mother has observed a positive shift in his life, noting that he feels a strong sense of belonging and support within the shed community. This environment has provided George with a platform to express himself, feel heard, and develop his skills further.
George has been using the skills he acquired from a Street Games Wales Bike Maintenance Course he attended in the Summer, which Youth Shedz funded. He is passionate about cycling and bike maintenance, so is the perfect person to equip with the skills and confidence to show other young people, and now he works confidently to repair donated bikes at Kimnel Bay Shed with the young people. The bikes, which are donated to other Shedderz in need, highlight George’s commitment to giving back to the community. This activity has not only allowed him to apply his technical skills but has also given him a sense of purpose and giving him own role within the organisation.
George has seamlessly assumed the role of an older brother, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills without any prompting amongst the younger boys in Kinmel Bay. George has also flourished with 2 other Shed volunteers from Flintshire, with a common interest in music and film, and feels he has gained so much through Youth Shedz.
Inspired by his experiences, George has expressed a desire to complete a youth work qualification. His goal is to work his way up to a paid role at Youth Shedz, demonstrating his dedication to continuing his journey in youth leadership and community service. George’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community involvement and peer support. His natural leadership, combined with the skills and sense of belonging fostered at the sheds, has had a profound impact on both his life and the lives of those around him. George’s journey underscores the importance of providing young people with opportunities to lead, learn, and grow within supportive community environments.
“I enjoy being part of Shedz – I really like that I can talk to the guys (Nathan, Cara and Scott) for advice and they really listen to me. I really enjoy what I do, and M and W are great mates now; I
George – YouthShedz
enjoy that when I go to Denbigh, I can chill in the shed with them. It has really been good for me”.
“Youth Shedz is a great example of how our support is having real impact in the communities of North Wales. Hearing George’s story is testament to that. At the Neumark Foundation we are
Rebecca Neumark – CEO at The Neumark Foundation
incredibly proud of Youth Shedz and their development efforts to support young people in discovering their passions and skills. They are making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives, and we are proud to support them.”.
You can find out more about Youth Shedz journey so far on the Youth Shedz website http://www.youthshedz.com/