Frequently Asked Questions
What times are you open?
Our workshops are open for member use:
Tuesday 10am-1pm
Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Our small shop is also open these times – pop in to browse
If you’re interested in joining we ask you to book an appointment – this is to make sure there is someone available to show you around
I work for a support organisation – do you accept client referrals?
We operate as a membership cooperative – we do not have any paid support staff and do not have the capacity to offer a support service or take referrals from other agencies.
We encourage you to actively signpost clients who are “Shed Ready”- please advise them to contact us directly. All prospective members should be able to make contact and visit independently – if they are not willing or able to do this then they are not ready for membership at this time.
How much is membership?
Membership fees are £20 per month and entitle you to one 3hr workshop session per-week. (Extra sessions may be available on a “pay-as-you-use” basis.)
In addition to the nominal membership fee, all members help with the running and maintenance of the Shed.
Do you make or mend items for the general public?
We sometimes undertake small projects – there may be a waiting list dependant on availablility of volunteer members with required skill-sets and existing projects that have already been agreed.
We are a social enterprise – profits from these commisions help fund our ongoing running costs and are crucial to our operating model. Whilst we offer competitive and fair pricing options, we do require payment for our services to enable our charity to remain operational.
Do you take donations of tools or materials?
We are grateful for all offers of donated materials or equipment, but can only accept items that we are able to use – please contact us in advance to arrange drop-off of any donations.
Can women join Norwich Men’s Shed?
Under the disadvantage element of charitable exemption, Norwich Men’s Shed membership is open to men (aged 18+) only as a protected characteristic. Norwich Men’s Shed is a registered charity that was formed to address social isolation and loneliness in men – there is recognition that men interact differently to women and the resulting outcomes are often that they are at higher risk of being socially isolated.
We are looking at opening up workshop access to non-members on different days – however this wouldn’t be subsidised through grant funding so higher fees would apply.
