We are delighted to partner with The Dusty Shed, who have supported us and our mission since March 2024.

Part of the 'Men in Sheds' community movement, The Dusty Shed provides a safe place for men (predominantly older gentlemen) to get involved in their local community through craftwork. So far, they have made eight kind donations of tools to TWAM.

George, Development Officer at The Dusty Shed, kindly wrote an article to celebrate their partnership with us, which reads:

'Since March 2024, the Dusty Shed has been supporting Tools With A Mission (TWAM), a UK charity that collects and refurbishes tools before sending them to communities in Africa.

Over the past year, the Dusty Shed – like many Men’s Sheds across the UK – has been contacted by older people and families looking to find new homes for unwanted tools. Sometimes the reason is ill health, sometimes the passing of a loved one, and often it’s simply because tools are no longer being used. In these cases, families are relieved to know the tools will go somewhere meaningful.

To date, the Dusty Shed has made eight donations to TWAM through local volunteer collector Andrew Kelland, who coordinates collections in the Cardiff area.

The Dusty Shed is not alone. Around 24 Men’s Sheds across the UK are now helping TWAM by:

• Collecting and passing on donated tools.

• Sorting through tools before delivery.

• Refurbishing them so they’re ready for use.

• Creating complete “Trade Kits” that can support a person’s livelihood overseas.

The scale of donations is impressive. With the help of hundreds of volunteers across the UK, TWAM is able to send upwards of 20 shipping containers of tools every year – each weighing up to 12 tonnes – to countries including Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, and Tanzania. TWAM has also recently expanded into Rwanda, Nigeria, and Romania, with hopes to begin operations in Kenya.

Local collector Andrew explains:

“There are around 500 TWAM volunteers across the UK, many of them collectors. I make at least one pick up a week – that’s about 50 pickups a year – which can add up to thousands of tools.”

When asked what tools are most needed, Andrew continues:

“Our hottest ticket item is the humble sewing machine. In 2024 alone, we sent 3,498 sewing machines, 1,007 carpentry kits, 436 machine kits, and 343 builders’ kits.”

Importantly, TWAM is always looking for complete and working tools. While rust or blunt edges can be fixed, tools must still function properly in order to be reused.

Tools waiting to be loaded into Container 'Kariba' to Zimbabwe from Ipswich, in November 2025.

Donating to TWAM through the Dusty Shed brings more than environmental benefits – though saving tools from landfill and reducing waste is a big plus. There are also strong social and community benefits. Many people who donate feel they’ve made a positive contribution and strengthened their connection to their local community. Some go a step further by getting involved with Men’s Sheds themselves.

And for those who join the Dusty Shed, it’s not just about tools. It’s about friendship, purpose, and wellbeing. Men’s Sheds across the UK provide a place where people can share skills, work on projects together, and most importantly, reduce loneliness and isolation.

The partnership between the Dusty Shed and TWAM shows how something as simple as an old tool can make a world of difference – both locally and globally. Locally, people gain connection, community, and new opportunities through their Shed. Globally, tools help men and women in Africa and beyond to build livelihoods and secure brighter futures.

So whether it’s donating unused tools, joining a Shed, or volunteering with TWAM, there are many ways to get involved – and every contribution matters.'

Around 24 Men’s Sheds across the UK are now helping TWAM - and we are so grateful for their partnership. Get in touch today if you represent a Community Men's Shed and want to get involved, on 01473 210220.