Age UK Isle of Wight are appealing for help in setting up a new Men’s Shed in Shanklin – set to be the sixth on the Island.
The ‘Men’s Shed’ movement sprung up as a way to tackle social isolation in men, particularly after retirement, as well as providing a more informal setting to talk about health issues. The idea is simple – instead of men pottering about in their own shed, they get together and have a ‘local’ shed where they can not only carry out activities alongside each other, but learn new skills, support each other and be positively involved in their own community.
Age UK Isle of Wight currently has 5 sheds across the Island and have been offered the opportunity of having a sixth shed at YMCA Winchester House in Shanklin. However, the charity needs the help of Islanders to make it happen.
Funds are needed to lay a floor in the existing shed room structure (formally an ice house) and to kit it out with some much needed tools.
A JustGiving page has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ageuk-isleofwhite/meninsheds to help raise £1,000. A text appeal is also running – Text ‘SHED 06 £3’ to 70070 to donate £3.
To find out more about the Men in sheds projects contact Lois Prior at Age UKIW on (01983) 525282 or email: [email protected].
