The Youth Shedz
Core Community

Scott Jenkinson, Founder and Shed Planter

Following what feels like a lifetime of addiction, homelessness and the odd spell in prison, I finally managed to break free in 2008. Upon leaving rehab I found myself stranded in a limbo land, feeling not accepted by 'normal' society and not wanting to return to my old life, I was not in a good place.

My old identity of addict and alcoholic was dead, I was searching for my new identity and a place in society. Along came education and I embarked on a journey that was to see me graduate as a teacher in 2015. Through education, I was able to find freedom, not just from addiction but also freedom from the labels that I had carried for all those years.

Education was to play a major part in restoring my identity, my confidence and my self belief. And it is with this in my heart that I started 4:28 training. Youth Shedz was founded whilst delivering Essential Employability Skills to a group of young people in Denbigh. 4:28 Training is now commissioned to deliver and develop Youth Shedz. The vision? A Youth Shed in every town!

Following losing my mother as a child and various other traumatic things during my childhood and teenage years, I was severely struggling with my mental health, I struggled with coping with everyday life and didn't feel like I was a part of the world around me- I would just stay inside away from other people. I didn't feel able to cope with a job/college or other responsibilities and everything always felt like it was too much and like I'd never be able to get better.

I joined Youth Shedz in 2019 on a whim after a different organisation suggested I join due to my career goal of opening my own charity. Youth shedz has allowed for me to slowly build my confidence in myself and my own ability to cope with everyday life. Starting as a participant Shedder I went on to become a volunteer and I now have a part time job with Youth Shedz as an assistant coordinator which I enjoy, have various hobbies I keep up with and other volunteer things I do as well, I no longer feel quite so overwhelmed all the time and I know I have a good support system in place that will help if I need it, my future seems a lot brighter since joining youth shedz and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Sonia Nicholson,
Assistant Shed Coordinator

Cara Mortimer-Jones, Youth Shedz Coordinator for Denbigh, Blaenau, Holyhead / Anglesey

Sian Jenkinson, YS Administrator

Hi - I am Sian, married to Scott, and I work part time behind the scenes of YouthShedz, mainly doing paperwork, but also help with projects when needed!