A brand-new toolkit has been launched to support the development of Men’s Sheds in Suffolk.
The Men’s Shed movement is one that continues to grow across the UK, offering a welcoming and supportive space for people of all ages, a ‘shed’ is often not a physical building but a community.
Suffolk is lucky enough to have a range of Men’s Sheds around the county which all have a unique style and presence. What they all have in common is a space for men to come together, connect and create. The benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing are striking with 76% of people feeling less anxious after joining a Men’s Shed according to Mensheds.org.uk
Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is coming to the end of a three-year project offering support and development to Men’s Sheds in Suffolk. There are now 23 sheds up and running in Suffolk with a further 4 in development.
The project, conducted in partnership with UK Mens Shed Association, and other agencies has, without doubt had a positive impact on the individuals and communities affected by loneliness, isolation, and mental wellbeing in Suffolk
The building of a shed encourages a group of people to come together, understanding and deploying their skills, firing their imagination and creativity, and developing a sense of shared ownership.
CAS is keen to continue offering as much support as possible to Men’s Sheds in Suffolk. The brand-new toolkit is an online document which has been especially developed to provide information to anyone hoping to develop their own Men’s Shed. It gives existing and potential sheds across the county access to resources as a “one stop shop” via the CAS website https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/mens-sheds/
The toolkit has everything you need to know to set up and develop a Men’s Shed including managing finances and advice on setting up a charity. It is also a place to find other sheds and access help with safeguarding, insurance and training.
CAS Men’s Sheds Sustainability Officer James Fletcher said “It has been a huge privilege to work with some amazing people on this project who have invested their time and energy to improve the lives of Men and their families in Suffolk. I have witnessed people coming together with a common goal which gives purpose, fulfilment, companionship and community involvement.
Some of the life stories that have been shared with my colleagues and I have been very emotional and moving. It is testament to the UKMSA shed movement that there is need for this type of facility to encourage men to talk in a safe space, “shoulder to shoulder” and as a by-product combat loneliness, isolation and improve mental health.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about Men’s Sheds should access the Community Action Suffolk Web site: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/mens-sheds/ or UK Men’s Shed Association Web site: https://menssheds.org.uk/