My name's Chris and I volunteer in the workshop at Glasgow Wood.

Improving concentration & focus

I think I’ve been volunteering at Glasgow Wood since 2022 maybe!? I’m in the workshop building all sorts – I think I’ve built nearly all the stock products. I can’t make tables yet, but I know how to make the Suilven bookcase and seated planter, I think those are my favourite to build. I really want to learn how to build them all.

We’ve just had loads of seated planters to make recently for the LTL packages, for all the schools. I feel like I could probably do them in my sleep! When it’s a bit more complicated it gives me something to really focus on, it really helps me to concentrate on one thing. Once the woodworker has shown me once, I can usually get on with it myself… they’re always there if I need some more help though!

How it all started

When I was in high school I remember making a wooden plane in woodworking class. I loved it, those classes were always so fun. I made my mum a lamp from scrap wood too, it lasted 10 years! I think that’s where my love of building things started really.

Before coming to Glasgow Wood, I used to volunteer in the Cancer Research in Paisley. It took ages to get them to train me up on the till, but that was my favourite thing about being there. I’ve also volunteered with the to help get Erskine Beach cleaned up, there’s so much waste that comes up onto the beach from the sea. It’s crazy. A toy library like the one at Troon Beach would be great to build and have there too!

Being more social, building confidence and appreciating the small things

In summer 2024, I made my mum an accessible raised bed from reclaimed scaffold boards so she could more easily do some gardening. It’s something she loves doing, and it makes her really happy. Since making that, I feel like I’ve started talking to everyone a lot more at Glasgow Wood. Being here has allowed me to made new friends, and feel like I’ve got more of a purpose.

I’ve also started playing tennis on a Friday in the Gorbals, which is really social. But you’ve got to really concentrate! I’ve started winning a loads of games, it feels like I’m getting a lot better at it now. It’s hard work though, I’m hungry in 30 minutes!

I can’t really think of one moment that’s been really memorable. It’s just all the wee things, the wee jokes that we have in the workshop. Everything adds up and just makes coming here so good, I feel like I’ve become so much more confident since coming to Glasgow Wood.