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f s r t h o a Agenda 5 WAYS TO
Say thank you to PTA volunteers
Can they fix it? Yes they can!
Practical skills are a huge benefit to a PTA. But a lack of time and knowledge can make it difficult for busy parents to help. For some groups, Men’s Sheds are providing the answer. Clare Dervan, chair at the Friends
of St Edward’s PTA in Oldham, says: ‘When our PTA needed props for the summer fair, I contacted our local shed. I had heard about Men’s Sheds as they are local to our school. I told them what we wanted and asked if they could help. I also sent photos and arranged to go the shed to discuss the finer details. They agreed to make three items: shelves for Play Your Cards Right and Shoot A Duck, and a board with holes in for Ball In A Bucket (above). The men are so helpful – they even volunteered to make the items with a collapsible frame so we can store them more easily. We’ll be making a donation to the shed, and will definitely contact them again.’
Following the example of the
successful Men’s Shed movement in Australia, Mike Jenn set up a shed in Camden, North London in 2012. A year later, he formed the UK Men’s Sheds Association. There are now more than 800 sheds operating in the UK with another 200 in development. Sheds are non-profit organisations
that provide a group space where men make and repair items for themselves and the community. But there’s more to it than just work – the sheds are saving lives. Charlie Bethel, chief officer at the
UK Men’s Sheds Association, says: ‘As men get older and their lives change due to retirement or friends moving away, loneliness can become a big issue. Working shoulder to shoulder with other men makes it easier for them to open up. When you’re cutting a piece of wood, you need to concentrate and that takes your mind away from your problems. Then, before you know it, you’ve swapped life stories with the person next to you. Some sheds include women – it’s up to them – but we still suggest having some men-only sessions. 97% of men say they’ve
made a new friend in the sheds.’ l Find your nearest shed at
menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/
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A handwritten note, especially if it’s from one of the children
A personalised Christmas card from the chair, committee or head teacher
A video with a special message from the children and staff
A shout out on social media – maybe on International Volunteer Day (5 December)
Invite them to a feedback meeting where you actively seek ideas and suggestions, or send out a volunteers-only survey.
MOST POPULAR
Digital destinations Save hours with these free resources for your PTA
DESIGN: Create banners, posters, social graphics and more with Canva. Registered charities can upgrade to the Pro version for free.
canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
SURVEYS: Google Forms is easy to use and doesn’t limit the number of responses. Use it for RSVPs, to request feedback or for supporter surveys.
google.co.uk/forms/about/
TRAINING: Upskill your committee by signing up to How to Fundraise: A Guide to Fundraising for Non- Fundraisers, an online course from the University of Kent. futurelearn. com/courses/fundraising-for-non- fundraisers
SOCIAL MEDIA: Join the PTA+ Facebook community and connect with other PTAs to seek and share advice, find supplier recommendations and celebrate success.
facebook.com/ groups/PTAnetwork
pta.co.uk AUTUMN 2022 7
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