Winter’s shorter days and unpredictable weather can make it harder to get outside, but that doesn’t mean gardening has to stop! At The Red Shed, we embrace indoor activities that keep us connected to nature and support our wellbeing, even when we’re spending more time inside. While we often move indoors during the colder months, there are still plenty of ways to stay engaged. Some of our favourite activities include:

– Caring for Indoor Plants – Watering and tending to houseplants keeps us connected to greenery and adds life to our indoor spaces. It’s a simple way to bring nature into your home, too.

– Watching the Birds – Setting up bird feeders and observing visiting birds can be a wonderful way to appreciate wildlife, even from the warmth of indoors.

– Nature-Inspired Arts and Crafts – From pressed flower art to creating seed tapestries, these activities spark creativity while keeping us connected to nature.

– Seed Collecting and Planning – Gathering seed pods from local plants and trees
helps us think ahead to spring while staying active outdoors.

Each of these activities’ links to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing: learning something new, staying
active, taking notice of nature, connecting with others, and giving back to our environment.
These small actions can have a big impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
At The Red Shed, we believe every season has something special to offer, and winter is no
exception. By bringing the garden indoors, we continue to nurture our love for nature and
stay connected to our community—all while keeping our minds and bodies active during the
colder months.

This years Christmas Party was our biggest one yet! Our Red Shed participants, friends and families all got together to celebrate the season. We had a band (from Singing for the Brain), Bingo, a raffle and food galore! Our biggest gift was a wonderful cheque from The National Lottery for the princely sum of £176,186.00. This is an enourmous grant for us and will cover some of our main costs for the next 3 years. Our plans for the future include a second site and another Red Shed garden to benefit people living with dementia and their carers in Hertfordshire. This funding will help us to make that happen.

So we end 2024 with exciting plans and a big THANK YOU to The Lottery and everyone who buys a lottery ticket and helps all sorts of amazing charities and organisations….now that includes us!!

We are looking for a CEO and a Garden Operations Manager to lead The Red Shed through our plans for growth and expansion and to oversee the continued smooth running of our successful site in Stevenage,

The role and person specifications are below.

If you are interested, please send your CV to info.theredshed@gmail.com along with a covering letter telling us why you are the right person for us….

The Red Shed
Chief Executive Officer
Job summary
The Red Shed is seeking a highly motivated and organised CEO to lead and oversee all aspects of the organisation’s work. The Red Shed Project is at a crucial point in its development as we seek to expand. The CEO will have the major role in researching, establishing and developing a new site and, on an ongoing basis, ensuring that The Red Shed Project is responsive to the changing needs of people living with dementia and their carers and of the services available to them. In order to achieve this, the person appointed, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, will have responsibility for, and take an innovative approach to, strategic planning and to fundraising. On a day-to-day basis, this role plays a pivotal part in the smooth running of The Red Shed’s activities, ensuring that the existing garden and future sites develop in response to the needs of their communities and participants.
The role is for 3 days per week based upon an initial one year’s contract. The salary will be £40,000 pro rata.
The base is currently in Stevenage but the role will cover a wider geographical area and is expected to include a second site. Relevant travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The CEO will be responsible to The Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
• Planning & Strategy:
o Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the needs of people and communities living with dementia and ensure the Red Shed has a key role in providing services to meet them
o Research and recommend funding streams to finance Red Shed activities and formulate effective bids.
o Collaborate with the Operations Manager to develop, write and implement strategic plans, action plans, marketing plan and business plans for The Red Shed.
o Develop strategic networks and work with partners and stakeholders in research, development and the planning of new activities.

• Finance & Administration:
o Write, manage and monitor funding applications and reports.
o Prepare budgets and manage finances effectively.
o Utilise QuickBooks for bookkeeping and liaise with the organisation’s accountant.

• Management and Operations
o Manage and provide leadership and direction to the Operations Manager and the Administrator.
o Collaborate with the Operations Manager to ensure that their plans for garden maintenance and development accord with strategic and business plans and funders’ requirements as well as the needs of participants and communities.
o Ensure a programme of training and networking meetings is in place for the Garden Manager, staff and volunteers
o Ensure the safeguarding of all users of the site and in relation to any site-specific vulnerabilities (e.g. the school) and enable all staff volunteers and users to implement all aspects of the safeguarding policy.
o Create and update Red Shed Policy documents as required ready for the approval of the Board of Trustees
o Maintain effective liaison with the site owner to ensure effective and efficient operations and to maintain a good working relationship.
o Facilitate all HR functions, seeking appropriate advice where necessary.
o Oversee the performance appraisal of all employed staff and monitor the impact of volunteers, providing effective feedback enabling the Red Shed to achieve its main aims and objectives.
o Ensure that plans for training match both the needs of the individual and the needs of the organisation.

• Reporting & Communication:
o Prepare written reports for Board of Trustee and contribute to their meetings.
o Cultivate relationships and partnerships through networking and marketing initiatives.
o Seek out and respond to enquiries for new participants in The Red Shed’s programs.
o Manage the promotion of the profile of The Red Shed, using social media and other appropriate methods.
o Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a range of stakeholders
o Promote and represent the Red Shed at external events as required.

• Impact Measurement:
o Develop and implement methods to measure the impact of The Red Shed’s activities.
o Prepare reports highlighting the organisation’s impact.
Additional Information
This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate individual to make a significant contribution to The Red Shed’s mission. The successful candidate will be a highly organised and motivated leader with a commitment to positive social impact.
Safeguarding
The Red Shed is fully committed to its safeguarding responsibilities and has a robust Safeguarding Policy which complies with the policies of Hertfordshire County Council. Our selection and appointment of staff is subject to robust procedures which are aimed to protect the users of our Charity. An enhanced DBS clearance and other safeguarding checks will be essential to this role.

The Red Shed
Operations Manager
Job summary
The Red Shed is seeking a highly motivated and organised Operations Manager to lead on all aspects of the development, operation and maintenance of our dementia friendly gardens, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of people living with dementia, their carers and the communities they live in. The Red Shed Project is at a crucial point in its development as we seek to expand and the Operations Manager will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to establish and develop a new site. On a day-to-day basis, this role plays a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth running of The Red Shed’s activities. The person appointed will be responsible for managing staff and volunteers and developing and ensuring the smooth running of Garden Clubs and other Red Shed activities.
The role is for 3 days per week initially on a one year’s contract. The salary will be £25,000 pro rata. The Operations Manager will be responsible to the CEO.
The base is currently in Stevenage but the role will cover a wider geographical area and is expected to include a second site. Relevant travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The Operations Manager will be responsible to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
• Management:
o Provide leadership and direction to staff members (currently 3 part-time).
o Oversee a volunteer team (currently approximately 12 people, including a volunteer coordinator).
o Manage and delegate tasks effectively.
o Manage the recruitment of participants in The Red Shed activities.
o Ensure that all policies and procedures are effectively implemented.
o Enable effective safeguarding and safe use of the site according to policy.
o Manage all petty cash and donations according to agreed financial procedures and protocols.
o Work with the administrator to ensure effective running of all operations.
o Maintain effective liaison with the site owner to ensure effective and efficient operations and to maintain a good working relationship.

• Operations & Activities:
o Oversee the gardens and any future sites, maintaining and developing them in accordance with agreed plans and in relation to the needs of people living with dementia.
o Coordinate and oversee the delivery of weekly Garden Clubs (currently 4), monthly Carers Café (currently 1), 1 monthly DIG (research) group, Care Home visits and other activities as they develop.
o Work with staff members to develop and deliver activities, ensuring they meet the needs of people living with dementia and their carers.
o Handle purchasing of garden supplies and other necessary materials.
o Work with the wider team to manage the planning and execution of events throughout the year (Open Garden, Christmas Party, Quiz Nights, etc.)

• Reporting & Communication:
o Liaise with and report to the CEO, ensuring they are fully informed of progress and issues relating to the garden, the activities and their participants.
o Support the CEO to manage the profile of the Red Shed through effective communications, including the use of social media.
o Communicate effectively with all users of the Red Shed to ensure effective daily operations.
o Manage the promotion of the profile of The Red Shed, using social media and other appropriate methods.
o Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a range of stakeholders
o Promote and represent the Red Shed at external events as required.

• Impact Measurement:
o Implement methods to measure the impact of The Red Shed’s activities.
Additional Information
This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate individual to make a significant contribution to The Red Shed’s mission. The successful candidate will be an experienced gardener and a highly organised individual with a commitment to positive social impact.
Safeguarding
The Red Shed is fully committed to its safeguarding responsibilities and has a robust Safeguarding Policy which complies with the policies of Hertfordshire County Council. Our selection and appointment of staff is subject to robust procedures which are aimed to protect the users of our Charity. An enhanced DBS clearance and other safeguarding checks will be essential to this role.

At the Red Shed, we are proud to have built international connections that inspire and broaden our horizons. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Stevenage Kadoma Link to our garden, along with some special guests from Kadoma, Zimbabwe. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our space and exchange ideas. We treated our visitors to a traditional afternoon tea, and for many of them, it was their first time ever trying scones! We couldn’t resist sharing the famous Devon and Cornwall scone debate with them—much to their amusement.

During the visit, it was fascinating to learn about the differences in horticultural knowledge and dementia care between our countries. Our guests shared that where they live, they have an abundance of land but limited experience in these areas. Inspired by what they saw at The Red Shed, they expressed interest in exploring how they can use their land in a similar way. We’re excited to hear more from them in the future and see if they take steps toward implementing some of the ideas we’ve shared.

This visit is not our first international link; we also have a connection with the Toulouse Women’s International Group (TWIG), with whom we collaborate on various initiatives. These international exchanges help us grow, learn, and inspire each other, and we look forward to building more meaningful connections in the future.

At The Red Shed, we believe in making our garden a placed shaped by the people who use it. Our Stakeholders – participants, carers, volunteers, workshop leaders, trustees and supporters – all have a voice in deciding what happens here.  We encourage everyone to get involved, from choosing new garden features to sharing feedback on what makes our space more welcoming and accessible. A recent example of this is our Herb Garden; we proposed adding something new to an area of the garden and our stakeholders came together with ideas and went on to make a vote… with the Herb Garden being the winner! Now it is a vibrant part of The Red Shed, offering scents, textures and taste that we can all enjoy. The transformation was a team effort from all of our stakeholders which shows how every voice can help make The Red Shed a community for everyone.

At The Red Shed, we’ve always been dedicated to creating meaningful, garden-based activities for those living with dementia, but our commitment to wellbeing extends well beyond the garden gate! We have been thrilled to share our latest partnership with Stevenage FC Foundation on an exciting new initiative – Boro Bygones.

This is a reminiscence programme designed to enrich the lives of those living with dementia, funded by the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership with support from the University of Hertfordshire. The programme has been a great success in bringing many folk together to engage in a unique and stimulating experience.

Hosted at The Red Shed, the sessions are a treasure trove of Stevenage FC memorabilia and unforgettable moments to spark memories and stimulate senses. From past football shirts to tales from the world cup and Olympic sports, Boro Bygones has taken folk on a journey through the decades rekindling fond memories and creating new connections. To add a bit of fitness and fun every session ends with a friendly game of walking football ensuring that physical activity remains a key component of the programme.

While The Red Shed remains rooted in its origins as a garden programme, Boro Bygones exemplifies our ongoing commitment to being an active part of the broader community. We are very proud and have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Stevenage FC Foundation to bring this programme to life – we’ll look forward to letting you know more about our collaborations and the many ways we’re continuing to grow our community impact, both in the garden and beyond.    

So proud to see our article printed in the latest addition of the Jounal of Dementia Care ! It’s about the impact measurement tool we have designed using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. We worked with researcher Elspeth Mathie and colleagues from the University of Hertfordshire to put it together.

Check out the Journal on line or read the full article below…….

Following the success of last years event, our recent Open Garden 2024 was another testament to the vibrant community and transformative work we do here at The Red Shed. Blessed with a beautiful day of sunshine, the garden was in full bloom providing a beautiful backdrop for the days festivities. We welcomed along Deputy Lord Lituenant, Lady Martha Lytton Cobbold along with our Mayor Jim Brown. Also joining us for the afternoon were funders, local counsellors, partners, service users and of cause our team of wonderful staff, volunteers and trustees with their families and friends in tow.

We showcased a wonderful exhibition on Stevenage’s famous Clarence Elliot, a British horticulturalist from the early 1900’s, along with having Development Officer Joel Gainsford from Stevenage Borough Council, who delivered a fascinating talk about the amazing work of the Green Spaces Team. Our Garden tour was in full swing and the perfect opportunity to show off our beautiful accessible space and demonstrate the profound benefits that our garden clubs offer to the lives of those living with dementia.

It truly is delightful for us to stand back and witness the joy and engagement our garden brings to the local community. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our event – your involvement is what makes our garden not just a place of beauty, but a vibrant community of care and compassion.         

Here at The Red Shed we have encountered many misconceptions about the abilities of those living with dementia.

“What’s the point of a garden club if they have dementia? They can’t do a lot, and will they remember what they have done?”

This question reflects very quickly a negative assumption around dementia and instantly overlooks the profound benefits and possibilities that not only our garden club can offer, but also what our folk are able to achieve in their day-to-day life. It is essential to recognise that people living with dementia are capable of a lot more than what you might initially think, and The Red Shed’s aim is to tap into those abilities by providing a supporting and stimulating environment to engage them in meaningful activities.

People living with dementia often retain a variety of skills that they can continue to use in their daily lives bringing joy and purpose to their routines. For instance, one of our gardeners has a passion for art. She frequently spends time in the garden showcasing her amazing artistic abilities through drawings and paintings that are inspired by the garden. We have some folk attend who are more mobile and handy, they often want to use skills to repair or construct, using tools and materials from the garden; we recently had some help build wooden platners for use in the garden.     

Our Garden Clubs are great for promoting physical activity – Simple tasks such as planting seeds, watering plants and weeding keep our folk physically active, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall health. Physical activity as we know is also great for improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety.

The Red Shed is full of sensory experiences – The sight of colourful flowers, the smell of fresh herbs, the feel of soil and the sound of the birds… these sensory experiences can trigger positive memories and emotions, providing comfort and joy in the lives of our folk.

We encourage the skill of social interaction – our garden clubs are all about community and our folk work together on projects, share stories, listen and enjoy each other’s company. Social interaction is vital for mental health, to help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common among those living with dementia and their carers.

Did you also know that gardening activities are great for stimulating and enhancing cognitive function. Following instructions, planning, recalling plant names – these are all exercises that keep the mind active. Whilst some participants may not remember every detail of what they have done, the process of engaging in these activities is beneficial in itself.  

Most importantly, our core belief is helping our folk living with dementia showcase what it is they can do in the garden and enjoy themselves in the process. The joy of seeing a flower bloom, the pride in harvesting a vegetable and the pleasure of spending time outdoors are moments of happiness that significantly contribute to overall wellbeing.

We like to think that The Red Shed’s is a testament to the fact that people living with dementia can still lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. By focusing more on what folk can do and enjoy, we help them, and their carers experience the positive impact of nature and the community.

This month we have had the privilage of being nominated as a Charity for the year for Toulouse Womens International Group aka TWIG.

Toulouse Women’s International Group (TWIG) aims to provide a diverse range of social, cultural, and sporting activities for its members of women living in and around Toulouse. They run several regular activities from Gardening to Creative Writing and through these groups foster friendships and support for members.

They raise money – particularly at their annual Christmas Fair – and donate to 3 different Charities each year. The Charities can be based in France or the UK.

Dementia affects people world wide and France has a similar statistics to the UK. During our presentation at the TWIG AGM, many hands were raised when the question was asked – ‘how many of you know someone who has dementia?’. Having lived experience of the disease was a major factor for the amount of votes The Red Shed received. Our Garden Clubs and Carers Cafe are always recognised as valuable servcies but it was also our commitment to research that spoke to some of the members. One person told us that hearing about the research meant that work was being done that may have positive effects in the future as well as our day to day provision.

So – The Red Shed has gone international! What an exciting connection to make!

Just as a footnote – we were nominated by a family member of one of our team. They live in Toulouse and are a member of TWIG. The chance for our CEO to present in person at the AGM was fitted into a weekend trip to catchup with family and relax in some French Spring sunshine!