From woodcarving to pyrography, there are lots of opportunities to be creative within the Woodwork Department. In addition to the large, open-plan workshop, the department houses a number of small studio spaces where service users can work on personal projects and develop their skills and interests with support from the team.
Woodwork Department
Based on the same site as The Woodfuel Centre is Blyth Star Enterprises’ Woodwork Department day service, where individuals can take part in a range of workshop-based projects to develop their skills in joinery.
What's on offer?
Service users at Blyth Star's Woodwork Department are taught how to use various tools and machinery, how to apply different finishes to wood products and many other aspects of woodwork in a safe and friendly environment which encourages social interaction and team working.
Projects and Products
Many of the products made at the Woodwork Department go on sale to the general public via the retail unit at Stakeford Nurseries, but the team is also regularly approached with commercial projects, which provide additional opportunities for service users to engage in their local communities, delivering joinery projects for local parks, schools and businesses.
Activities
Community-based projects and installations
Crafts
Joinery and woodworking skill development
Pyrography
Social activities
Woodcarving
I enjoy keeping busy and being occupied. I also like putting things together in woodwork.
I enjoy making different projects and working together with different people.
The banter is great at the Woodwork Department, it’s always a laugh. I really enjoy learning new skills too.
I like making projects and working on the machines.
I enjoy working with wood to make things and helping other people too.
I like coming to Blyth Star, it gets me out of the house meeting new people and making things and helping others too where needed.
Training opportunities
In 2017, Blyth Star Enterprises secured funding to develop the packages of in-house training that we deliver to service users at our Day Services. The result is a range of bespoke vocational training programmes, externally endorsed by the Awarding Organisation, NOCN, which provide service users with the opportunity to gain certificates as they learn new skills.
The woodfuel and woodwork training programme explores machine operation, health and safety, fork lift truck driving, warehousing processes and everyday DIY to provide service users with all of the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills they need to support them in their role.
Service users’ progress is assessed and monitored through a personal learning profile which tracks their development through each module, and also considers how the individual’s social skills, communication skills and confidence improve throughout the course.
Find out more about our full range of training opportunities on offer through our Day Services:
Who can attend the Woodwork Department?
The Woodwork Department is part of the day service and work training programme run by Blyth Star Enterprises. We work with adults over the age of 18 with enduring mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
Referrals to the Woodwork Department
Individuals who want to attend the Woodwork Department day service must have a referral from a Social Worker, Care Manager, the Mental Health Integrated Care Team or another health and social care professional. Service Users can be referred directly to the Woodwork Department as a standalone service, or as part of a joint referral to The Woodfuel Centre.
If you or a loved one would like to attend The Woodfuel Centre but are unsure about your eligibility, please get in touch to discuss your needs with a member of the day services team. You don’t need to have had any previous experience or training to attend, but an interest in manufacturing and a willingness to learn is helpful.
FAQ
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How can I find out more about Blyth Star’s services?
You can find lots of useful information about our Living Support and Day Services on our website, you can also click on the links below to download our service brochures.
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What needs do you cater for?
Blyth Star supports individuals with a range of moderate to complex mental health needs and learning disabilities. The services we provide are highly tailored to our service users’ level of need and support packages are always developed in partnership with individuals, care givers and other health and social care professionals.
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Can anyone just turn up and join in with Blyth Star’s activities?
Unfortunately, no. Individuals who want to attend one of Blyth Star’s Day Services or access Living Support must have a completed CSP1 Needs Assessment and a referral from a Social Worker, Care Manager or other health and social care professional.
If you don’t have a social worker or care manager, you can request a CSP1 Needs Assessment from Northumberland County Council by calling 01670 536400 or emailing onecall@northumberland.gov.uk.
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How much does it cost?
Blyth Star Enterprises Day Services and Living Support services are usually funded by the local authority if you have been referred to us through adult social care services.
Individuals who hold a personal welfare budget can self-fund for our services, if this applies to you, please get in touch for further information.
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Where is Blyth Star based?
As our name suggests, Blyth Star Enterprises is based in Blyth, Northumberland.
In Blyth, you will find our registered head office as well as our Living Support accommodation and The Steamboat Day Service, however we also have satellite sites at Stakeford Nurseries in Stakeford (Choppington) and The Woodfuel Centre in West Sleekburn.
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Is transport provided for people who use Blyth Star’s services?
Yes. Blyth Star operates its own mini bus service for service users who attend The Woodfuel Centre and Stakeford Nurseries.
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Can I come and have a look around?
Absolutely! If you would like to visit any of our services, please contact the relevant department to make an appointment using the details on our contact page.