A new Women's Shed has opened in Newtownabbey to create a community where women are able to learn new skills and build friendships.
It comes following the success of the Newtownabbey Men's Shed, which started in May 2016 and first operated from Valley Business Centre before securing funding to move to a bigger premises during lockdown, which is now shared with the newly founded Women's Shed.
Karen Tufts was approached by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council to step in and help the Men's Shed three years ago, and said adding the women's group to their roster was the last box she wanted to tick on her volunteering mission.
Read more: Men's Shed "a lifesaver" for people with mental health problems in Newtownabbey
Starting off working in family services, Karen soon realised a lot of parents - and single mums in particular - secured housing for their families but didn't know much about DIY.
This sparked something inside Karen, who is now hoping more and more women can build friendships while learning such skills at the Women's Shed.
"I realised young families, a lot of single parents and single mums, secured housing for themselves and their families and didn't even know how to paint. I saw myself on many occasions giving up a day or weekend and helping them paint and decorate," Karen told Belfast Live.
"I realised there's a lack of skills being passed on, especially for women. I thought it would be great if we could get something set up where women could come in and learn those skills they're going to use in their house. So I thought why not take it to another level and teach them things like woodworking.
"I was very fortunate - my dad had his own business, he was a builder. So when I was growing up, from a young age you had a hammer in your hand and were taught to do things.
"In three homes I've fitted three kitchens with my daughter. There's so many things we've done that have saved me, as a single mum, so much money.
"There's a real satisfaction to do it that I'd love more women to experience. It really helps your mental health to look at something you've built and say 'I did that.'"
Originally doing much of her work and volunteering in the North Belfast area, Karen said it's now "very emotional" to be able to launch the Women's Shed in Newtownabbey. She said she's always advocated for the area to have the same sort of community facilities visible in other areas.
She said: "I told the Council I was so disappointed we didn't have the facilities of other areas here. I promised throughout my time if I was going to do anything I was going to have one of the biggest community groups in Newtownabbey. I've achieved that now, it's very emotional to have this new group up and running.
"I've given up nights, I've had my back against the wall with funding applications and have worked through the night to get that level.
"Working in the community is hard work, but it's the good stories that matter. You have those hard times, but you have days like today which are what makes it all worthwhile to reach another milestone."
Karen said the mental health aspect of the Men's Shed and Women's Shed is something that is very important to her.
"I last my own dad to suicide, 27 years ago. But the one thing through it all is it made me who I am today," she explained.
"I closed my own business in 2001, with the mindset I was going to help people. I initially started off in suicide prevention. I feel so proud to be here now, continuing to help the community.
"Isolation and loneliness is a big thing. A lady came in this morning - she was bereaved a few months ago. It takes a lot of bravery to come here, put yourself out there to learn new skills and make new friends.
"Even if they just come here to have a chat, a cup of tea and watch some TV with someone; it means they're getting out of the house and interacting with others. That's the most important thing.
"I know how important it is to have these groups for people. The ladies walked in through these doors a few weeks ago, and that was very emotional for me. It takes a lot of bravery to put yourself out there like this."
The Newtownabbey Women's Shed is based at the Ferguson Centre, and runs on a Wednesday at 2pm. To find out more and get involved, click here.
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