We have a vision at Tiger - to put smiles on peoples faces, help them to grow, providing opportunities to build skills, confidence and self esteem. 

For over 8 years now Tiger has been working hard to do this through a range of textile and craft activities and other projects including our street markets, work skills projects and our community streetfood stall.

Over the last 18 months our work has grown exponentially to support our local community through the pandemic. This has included making scrubs and other important items for NHS frontline workers and vulnerable groups around the county, with the help of 100s of volunteers. We've tipped 33,000 makes given away. 

The main feedback from the volunteers involved with this project was that having a community activity to focus on gave them much needed relief from social isolation and was a life saver for their mental health. These experiences, along with scientific research, shows the positive affects sewing and craft activities can have on mental health and general wellbeing. Having an 'I made that moment' boosts confidence and self esteem and puts a smile on faces.

We want to maintain the momentum that we have built over the last 18 months, working with and supporting thousands of people through our activities. 

This coincides with the impending loss of the workshop space we are currently in. However, this gives us the opportunity to expand our operation, harnessing the community spirit that has kept people going through the pandemic and focusing it in a new space that will provide wellbeing support for people across Nottinghamshire.

Our plan is to open a community hub with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Where you get a welcome at the door, like visiting a friend. 

There will be a cafe, whether you are on your own or with a friend you can sit and relax, maybe do a small crafting activity at the table or just enjoy the ambiance. A shop will be an outlet for our volunteer makes and will provide a space for local artisans to share their creations. The cafe and shop will also ensure the hub is financially sustainable and therefore un-reliant on grant funding.

There will be dedicated space for a wide range of daily community activities. That will include arts and crafts, upcycling and recycling and wellbeing activities.

We will also have space to continue our volunteer production of handmade items, providing skills training, community makes for vulnerable groups - such as our SuPer Project (sustainable periods for all) along with stock for the shop. 

Within the framework will be opportunities for work placements and training, with a focus on young people.

The space will be open to and encourage engagement with all members of the community, of all ages, but to do this we need your help to get started.

We have set an initial target of £50,000 to help us move in and to contribute to set up costs. The plan is then to move to financial sustainability through income generation in the various hub areas.

If we surpass this amount it will enable us to provide more services quicker, which will allow us to provide more workshops and support more people.