Wolverhampton Wood Group Fights Isolation

Wolverhampton Wood Recycling, a new social enterprise, has been launched to support individuals facing isolation and mental health concerns. Founded by Jim Brennan and Eimert de Graaff with a team of volunteers, the organization collects and processes discarded wood.

This collected wood is then transformed into new furniture, such as benches and bird boxes, or resold. The company, operating as a community interest company (CIC), is based in Wolverhampton and aims to expand its services.

Future plans include the opening of a repair cafe and workshops. Crucially, they intend to establish a 'Men's Shed' – a dedicated space for men to gather, socialize, and engage in woodworking projects, fostering mental well-being.

The volunteer team spans a wide age range, from 23 to over 70, including those seeking new skills or simply wishing to stay active. Brennan, inspired by his own past mental health experiences and charity sector work, aims to give back to the community through this venture.

De Graaff, originally from Holland, also expressed a desire to contribute after his retirement. The group covers an area west of Birmingham, extending to Stoke-on-Trent, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Oswestry, and is seeking new premises to accommodate its growth.