The Clerk at Wem Rural Parish Council recently had the pleasure of visiting the local Men in Sheds group in Whitchurch and witnessed a fantastic community initiative dedicated to reducing loneliness and promoting well-being.
A Warm Welcome
The motto of Men in Sheds is “Come in, we’ll put the kettle on and have a chat,” and true to their word, no appointment is necessary to drop in and enjoy a friendly conversation.
A Light-hearted Moment
During the visit, the Clerk learned about a recent humorous incident where the future of the Shed was nearly in jeopardy when their kettle failed a PAT test. Fortunately, a back-up kettle was on hand to save the day!
Aim of the Visit
The aim of the visit was for the Clerk to visit the project and find out if the local Men in Sheds could help repair and replace some of the noticeboards in the parish as residents in Barkers Green will no doubt be aware that it is no longer there.
Global Origins and Local Impact
Men in Sheds began in Australia to combat loneliness among sheep farmers and has since grown into a worldwide movement. By 2020, there were approximately 2,000 Sheds globally. A remarkable statistic from the national website shows an “89% decrease in depression since joining Men in Sheds.”
Inclusive and Welcoming
While traditionally focused on men, the local Shed welcomes women as well, with three lady members currently part of the group.
Our Local Shed’s Journey
The local Shed in Whitchurch was formed in 2017 and initially rented a workshop in Centre North East (the Youth Club building near Tesco car park). After relocating due to the building being declared uninhabitable, they have now settled in an old Tesco warehouse, which is being converted into a warm and comfortable environment.
Diverse Activities and Community Focus
Primarily focused on woodworking, the Shed also boasts expertise in IT and electronics, welcoming any hobby or interest. Their efforts are centred around community and community projects, ensuring they do not take business away from local trades.
Membership and Social Events
With 25 paying members and about 10 regular attendees, membership costs less than £1 per week. The Shed also hosts an annual Christmas social event, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community spirit.
Community Contributions
The Shed has made dozens of bird boxes and bat boxes for Shropshire Wildlife, showcasing their dedication to local environmental projects.
Learn More
For more information about the local Men in Sheds group, visit whitchurchmeninsheds.uk. To learn more about the national organisation, visit menssheds.org.uk.
Supporting the Cause
The local Shed is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and a Community Interest Company (CIC), regulated by the Charity Commission. They are always open to receiving donations to help with running costs.
The Clerk was thoroughly impressed with the sense of community and purpose at Men in Sheds and encourages anyone interested to get involved or support this wonderful initiative.
If you are interested in forming a Men In Sheds group in Wem then please get in touch.
