Street Forge Workshops

Street Forge Workshops – A Day Service for Adults with Disabilities

The ethos of Street Forge Workshops is to cultivate a nurturing and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities can truly flourish. It serves as a vibrant centre where socialization, creativity and productivity are not just encouraged, but celebrated. The workshop is designed to be a sanctuary of inclusivity, offering a space where disabled people can come together, share their stories and form meaningful relationships.

At the heart of Street Forge Workshops is a profound commitment to unlocking the potential within everyone. The workshop provides opportunities for participants to engage in a wide range of creative and productive activities including arts, crafts, cooking, woodworking and turning. These activities are not merely hobbies, they are avenues for self-expression, skill-building and personal growth.

Moreover, the workshop instills a strong sense of purpose in its participants. By contributing to various projects and seeing the tangible results of their efforts, individuals gain a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. This sense of purpose is further enhanced by the workshop’s emphasis on community involvement and collaboration. Participants are encouraged to work together, support one another and share their achievements with the broader community.

Street Forge Workshops is more than just a place of work and creativity, it is a beacon of hope and possibility. It challenges societal perceptions of disability by showcasing the incredible talents and contributions of its participants. Through this ethos of empowerment and inclusivity, the workshop not only transforms the lives of adults with disabilities but also enriches the community.

Our History

Street Forge Workshops started in 1987 as a result of a group of people with physical disabilities, their families, friends and interested professionals forming a committee to lobby for a workshop to offer experience in woodwork, computer skills and general craft skills.  The workshops have been on the same site in Thornham Magna since 1987.

Street Forge Workshops Employees and Volunteers

The dedicated employees and selfless volunteers of Street Forge Workshops embody a beacon of hope and compassion, providing exemplary guidance, unwavering dignity and steadfast support to their clients. Through their tireless efforts and genuine care, they create an environment where each individual is celebrated for their unique abilities and contributions.

In this nurturing atmosphere clients find more than just a place to learn and work, they discover a community that values their presence and potential. The guidance offered by the staff is not merely instructional but deeply personal, tailored to uplift and empower each person. This thoughtful mentorship fosters a profound sense of purpose, which enables clients to set and achieve meaningful goals and to embrace their strengths with confidence.

The support provided is multifaceted, extending beyond practical assistance to include emotional and psychological encouragement. This comprehensive support system ensures that clients are not only able to overcome challenges but also to thrive and find joy in their achievements. The camaraderie and solidarity within the workshops foster a spirit of belonging, making each day a fulfilling journey of discovery and growth.

Ultimately, the impact of the employees’ and volunteers’ dedication is immeasurable. They infuse the workshop with a vibrant sense of joy, turning it into a sanctuary of creativity and fulfillment. Their efforts create a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone can find purpose and experience the joy of contributing to the community.

NEW DEPUTY IN TOWN

We are delighted to welcome Yvette Lancaster as the new Deputy Manager of Street Forge Workshop. Yvette brings extensive experience from the care sector and a strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. In her new role, she will work closely with our Manager, mirroring all key responsibilities from understanding each client’s unique needs and medical profile to guiding staff and volunteers, and overseeing the day-to-day operations that keep our workshop thriving.

Yvette’s dedication, warm disposition, and exceptional work ethic make her an ideal fit for Street Forge. We are confident that her leadership will help strengthen our mission and ensure that proceeds from our handcrafted products continue to sustain and grow our program.

Please join us in welcoming Yvette to the team. We look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our community.

Trustees

Our dedicated Board of Trustees brings a wealth of expertise and commitment to Street Forge Workshops. Though small in number, each Trustee offers unique skills and perspectives that enrich our Charity’s operations. Their collective dedication and diverse contributions play a vital role in ensuring the success and smooth running of SFW, making a meaningful impact on our mission.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please contact Claire Keeble (Workshop Manager) in the first instance on 01379 678543 or alternatively email at claire.keeble@streetforge.org.

Street Forge Workshops would like to say thank you for a grant we were awarded from the Suffolk Giving Grantmaking Programme through Suffolk Community Foundation. We were able to purchase some essential equipment to help maintain our workshops. These included 2 dust extractors for our woodwork workshops and a food mixer and pasta maker for our cooking group, together with automatic hand driers and funding towards our clients enjoying a pottery painting class (on site). We are very grateful for  their support.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Street Forge Workshops no longer makes house signs.

Due to rising costs and as we have not reviewed our prices for over 8 years, from 1 April 2025 we will be increasing the price of the following products:

Barn Owl Box £120.00

Bat Box (New design via the Suffolk bat group) £18.00

Hedgehog House £35.00

Deluxe Little Owl Box £75.00

On behalf of our clients, staff, and volunteers, we sincerely thank you for your generous support. Your kindness makes our work possible, and we are truly grateful for you.

Claire Milliard, Manager





Barn Owl Box




Bat Box




Bird Box





Blackbird Box
Bumblebee Box





Hedgehog House




New Hedgehog House Design

Insect Hotel




Kestrel Box




Ladybird House




Little Owl Box




Robin Box




Sparrow Terrace Box




Swift Box




Tawny Owl Box




Tree Creeper Box




Woodpecker Box




Apple Feeder




Bird Feeder





Bird Table

Planters

Street Forge Workshops

The Street
Thornham Magna
Eye
Suffolk IP23 8HB

Tel: 01379 678543