Cowes Men’s Shed and the UK Men’s Sheds Association are encouraging more men to come forward to their local Shed to share their skills, enjoy a cuppa, and make new friends. In research commissioned by the UK Men’s Sheds Association, it was found that just under one-half (43%) of Shed members described themselves as lonely before coming to a Shed. This dropped significantly to just 3% after joining a Shed (1000 Faces of Sheds, 2023). To promote a wider conversation about men’s health and the benefit of Men’s Sheds, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater MBE has supported a letter that was sent to all MPs before International Men’s Day this year to encourage them to connect with or visit their local Men’s Shed. The UK Men’s Sheds Association will also be present at Portcullis House in Westminster at a British Red Cross ‘Call to Action’ event on December 11th. At this event, UK organisations including the UKMSA will share how they are tackling loneliness. When asked in an anonymous survey ‘What are the main benefits you have gained from visiting Cowes Men’s Shed?’ Responses from members included: Happiness, feeling useful, feeling less lonely, feeling fitter, meeting people and laughter. Adam Martin, Project Leader said:
“Our Shed members enjoy having a chat and sharing a cup of tea just as much as the projects they do for other charities and good causes across the Island. There’s always someone here at the Shed to talk to.”
Cowes Men’s Shed is open to men and women 5 days a week, 5 hours a day. Call 01983 209734 or email [email protected] for further information.
