Antrim Ladies Shed begins rebuilding after fire destroys community hub with help from emergency Asda grant

Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie donating essentials to The Shed after a devastating fire

A women’s community group in Antrim is beginning to rebuild after a devastating fire left its premises unsafe, thanks to emergency funding that will help members replace essential equipment and continue supporting some of the area’s most vulnerable people.

Antrim Ladies Shed has received a £1,500 emergency grant from the Asda Foundation, along with £150 worth of essential supplies, following a fire that spread from a neighbouring property and forced the group from its home.

Helping a community group get back on its feet

Established six years ago, the Shed was created to tackle loneliness and isolation by providing a welcoming space where women aged 18 and over can meet, learn new skills and support one another.

Its work extends well beyond its own membership. Volunteers knit and crochet blankets for local hospitals, care homes and baby banks, while also producing specialist items for people with medical needs, including those requiring stoma care. The group also offers a safe and supportive environment for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

The loss of its premises threatened not only a meeting place for members but also the community projects they carry out across the Antrim area.

Emergency funding secured after fire

Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie presenting a £1,500 cheque to The Shed from the Asda Foundation

After learning about the fire, Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie applied to the Asda Foundation’s emergency funding programme to secure immediate assistance.

She said:

“When I got the phone call, I could hear how devastated the ladies were. I know the Shed really well and spend a lot of time with the group, so I understand just how much it means to its members and the wider community. I knew we needed to help in whatever way we could.

“The Asda Foundation was absolutely amazing and provided £150 so we could gather essential items the group needed straight away. The ladies were delighted with the emergency shop, so when we surprised them with an additional £1,500 grant cheque, they were completely overwhelmed.

“This funding will go such a long way towards helping an incredible organisation that does so much for the wider community. I’m absolutely delighted we were able to support them at such a difficult time.”

Looking for a temporary home

Although the fire has left Antrim Ladies Shed without a permanent base, members are now working to secure temporary premises so activities can continue while they rebuild.

The emergency funding will help replace essential equipment and resources lost in the fire, allowing the group to resume providing companionship, practical support and community projects as quickly as possible.

Roisin McGarry from Antrim Ladies Shed said:

“Having lost our premises and all our belongings, the funding and essentials from Asda means we can begin to rebuild our shed. We’re eager to continue the work we do for our members and the wider community, and we are eternally grateful to Ashley for her help in organising the emergency funding for us.”

The group’s immediate priority is finding a temporary base where members can meet again, ensuring the friendships, support network and community work built up over the past six years can continue despite the setback.