I have good idea, sadly Im retired and have no funds😢

Thank you for your reply. The information, and advice you have provided has certainly given me a positive way forward. For a number of years I've been happily selling my creations at stall events and online, but I want to do something more. Maybe to help other crafters, and maybe teach craft therapy. It looks like I'll be dusting off my C&G in Creative Arts, gathering evidence of my previous community group involvement (including editor of a community newspaper) and go knocking on a few doors. Its been a number of years, hopefully things haven't changed too much. Thank you!

Thank you everyone who has replied to my post, and also for your advice and encouragement.
Since my original post a few days ago, I have been looking at a number of vacant premises within my local area. Each offering secure workspaces that artists /crafters could rent individually to work. I will come up with a written plan, and if all else fails with premises I will see where options lie in other departments for funding and councils.