Many of you will know that the Hub is deeply involved with the Budleigh Community Workshop Trust.

This fantastic charity will provide support to those that need it in our community via many novel ways.

The power of being involved and just doing something will enable the participants to feel better, not only in themselves but also in their view of their community.

Their community raised a substantial sum on money to help them feel better.

Their community has put considerable physical effort in repurposing the building. Tinkering with lathes, chisels and drills will divert their mind to positive and constructive thoughts.

The workshop is still developing its core activities.

These may include but not limited to: woodwork; needle craft; felting; trainset building; repair ‘café’ and anything else you would like us to do.

People who join the workshops’ groups will improve their mental health, feel better and will not visit their GP as often.

Those people who keep mobile will fall over less often and visit hospital less.

You’ll be amazed the effect a communal cup of tea and dunking a custard cream can have on your wellbeing.

This will, in turn, feed through to the health and social care system saving us all money and freeing up much-needed capacity in the NHS.

Financially, it is a win-win all-round.

How do I know all this when we are not even open yet? Simply because I have seen it in action.

We are still refurbishing the workshop. A new staircase has been installed, along with new toilets, kitchen. Walls have been moved, rebuilt and plastered. Old electrics removed. New electrics installed.

While we have been aided by some very skilled tradesmen, the vast majority of the work has been completed by volunteers and they have loved every single second of it.

You really can feel the positivity when you walk into the workshop.

I also know it is putting a big smile on the faces of those who have contributed financially, big or small.

We all need a lift at this time. All those who have worked on, contributed to or involved in the workshop thus far are all happier, have more friends and have eaten more biscuits.

The workshop still requires ongoing support. Please visit our Facebook page to see how you can help financially or physically. @BudleighCWT