Joe Robertson visited Men's Shed and Nettlestone this week.
Men's Shed has been combatting loneliness and isolation while supporting their wider community through craft and activity. Part of a wider idea from UK Men's Sheds Association which encourages people to come together to make, repair, repurpose and support projects in their local community.
Research by 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).
The Nettlestone and Seaview Shed (NaSh) have a workshop, a wood store and a clean/ finishing room for the Shed and are busy, most weekday mornings between 10am and 12:30 pm. NaSh has 7 Trustees, who are all volunteers and a current membership of over 30 men and women members. A core working group of between 6 to 12 people meet regularly. The group also meet socially with members for a meal out at a different pub or venue each month. They continue to undertake various community projects whilst also raising funds to run the Shed
Joe Robertson said, "Men’s Sheds is a great initiative, tackling loneliness, improving wellbeing and combatting social isolation - all while providing a space for men (and women) to meet up and work on projects together."
If you would like to find out more please visit their facebook page: Nettlestone & Seaview Shed (NaShers) | Facebook