National Lottery

What We Do

We are proud to announce that our women-only carpentry workshops are funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, allowing us to bring life-changing heritage skills to the women and girls of Rotherham and surrounding areas. 

At the West Riding Heritage Project, we don't just look back at history; we use it as a tool for healing. Our work is centered on three core pillars: Heritage & Healing, Sustainable Craftsmanship, and Community Empowerment.

1. The Women’s Woodshop: Traditional Carpentry

Our flagship project is a dedicated, women-only space designed for mental health healing through the art of woodworking. This is a "quiet shop"—a place for reflection, conversation, and creativity.

  • The Heritage Way (Hand Tools Only): To stay true to the craftsmanship of the West Riding, we work exclusively with hand tools. You won’t find the noise of power saws or the rush of machinery here. By using saws, planes, and chisels, we reconnect with the rhythmic, meditative skills of our ancestors.

  • Healing Through Craft: The focus required for hand-tool woodworking creates a "flow state" that helps quiet an anxious mind, building patience and resilience one shaving at a time.

  • Beginner-Friendly: Our workshops are designed for those who have never picked up a tool before. We provide a gentle, supportive environment where women and girls can learn at their own pace.

2. Sustainability & Our Environment

We believe that healing ourselves should go hand-in-hand with healing the planet. Our commitment to being environmentally friendly is woven into everything we do:

  • Zero-Carbon Crafting: By using only hand tools, we eliminate the need for electricity and reduce our carbon footprint. It is woodworking in its purest, most sustainable form.

  • Sustainably Sourced: We prioritize the use of reclaimed timber and locally sourced wood, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be wasted.

  • A Natural Connection: Working with natural materials connects us back to the land of the West Riding, fostering a deeper appreciation for our local environment.

3. Heritage & Mental Wellbeing

Beyond the woodshop, we use Rotherham’s rich social history to combat isolation and build a stronger community.

  • Heritage Therapy: Sessions that explore local history to help residents find a sense of belonging and pride in their roots.

  • Safe Spaces: Providing a welcoming environment for a "brew and a chat," ensuring no one in our community has to struggle alone.

4. Safety & Empowerment

Because we value the safety of our participants, we provide expert guidance in:

  • Manual Tool Safety: Empowering women to use traditional tools with confidence and precision.

  • Community Support: Training local volunteers in Mental Health First Aid and grassroots safety, ensuring our community projects are safe, compliant, and built to last.

Join Us at the Workbench

Our workshops are a place to mend the mind while making beautiful things. Whether you are looking to learn a traditional skill, meet new friends, or find a peaceful space to heal, the West Riding Heritage Project is here for you.

[Sign Up for Our Beginners' Workshop] | [Learn More About Our Heritage Projects]

Legal & Funding Acknowledgment

The West Riding Heritage Project C.I.C. is a registered Social Enterprise. Our Women’s Carpentry Workshops are made possible thanks to the support of National Lottery players through the National Lottery Community Fund.