Phoenix Women's S.H.E.D.
(Support, Health, Education, Diversity)
Phoenix Women's SHED Beginnings
Through engaging with women, it became clear to us that we needed to step up and provide more than we were doing through our Support Centre.
We knew that, because we listened to the local women. We were also inspired and influenced by the Women’s Shed Movement in Ireland. So, in June 2022 we decided to open the Phoenix Women’s SHED.
All our services including the SHED are provided by volunteers. The committee is made up of volunteers, with different backgrounds, different skill sets, and different life and work experiences. We contribute to the work of the committee, according to our strengths.
We all have a commitment to the empowerment of women. We are committed to help, support and encourage women to be the best they can be.
Importantly, through the SHED activities, we are committed to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for all women in Kerry.
What The SHED Is About
The SHED is about engagement, participation, social connection and peer support.
It is a place where women can feel relaxed, safe and welcome. It is a place where women can learn new skills, develop new interests, take part in activities, such as drumming, yoga, chakra dancing, line dancing, tai chi, qi gong, art, singing, physical exercises, book sharing.
Women can also attend talks on women’s health issues, such as nutrition, menopause, breast health, the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. There are also creative workshops such as pebble painting, making jewellery, designing and making greeting cards. Other events include walking, art and gardening. Digital photography and IT skills are also organised. A talk on 'Writing a Will' was extremely well received.
Importantly, women can just sit, drink tea, eat the cake and chocolates, have a heart to heart chat, meet someone new, engage in banter and have a laugh.
The committee regularly seek feedback from our SHED members and we endeavour to deliver on the ideas and suggestions put forward. One SHED member noted that it was important for women ‘to tell their story’ and we hope to design a project that will enable our members to do just this.
Phoenix Women's SHED Experience
One message we give to all our SHED members, is that we would encourage you, never to feel you are not strong enough, fit enough, creative enough, young enough, slim enough, talented enough, intelligent enough, experienced enough… to do any of the activities that we organise.
All activities can be done at your own pace and if you just want to sit it out and relax, that is no problem.
We want all women to have positive experiences in the Phoenix Women’s SHED, to leave feeling destressed, confident, happy, empowered to take on challenges and overall develop a quality lifestyle.
Conversely, if you have lots of skills in a particular field, you could be the one leading a workshop so please step forward! Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Don’t feel you are not good enough to teach others your craft, to share your skills or indeed tell your story.
Outcomes From The SHED – What Will You Gain By Being Part Of The New Women’s Shed Movement?
You will meet new people, have an opportunity to connect and engage and participate in a range of activities as referred to above. Women can often feel isolated, lonely and disconnected from the community especially as their families grow up and leave home.
Women at the SHED chat, laugh, enjoy the company, share their interests and problems. Tea, coffee and biscuits are in plentiful supply.
We aim to foster opportunities that will enhance greater self confidence, more understanding of the benefits of physical exercise and healthy diet, knowledge and skills that will enable women to feel empowered to make decisions that affect them. We also aim to provide regular workshops that will enable women to improve their selfcare through relaxation and destressing techniques.
We encourage an understanding of the importance of connecting with nature and creativity to improve mood and energy and enhance feelings of wellbeing.
We remind ourselves about the importance of being light hearted, engaging with others and enjoying life.
Overall, in regard to ‘Quality of Life’, we know the SHED does make a significant difference to a range of dimensions such as physical health and fitness, psychological health and well being and through enjoyment, helping to create a positive outlook on life.
Like To Join Our SHED?
If you are interested in joining our SHED you can sign up for membership directly on the website by clicking the button below. You can also show up any Thursday and pay your membership in person if you prefer.
Becoming a member means you can come along and meet like women and take part in all the activities we run as well as get early access to our very popular events run through the Centre & SHED..
