Blackdown Community Shed
The Men's Sheds Movement
The idea for setting up the Blackdown Community Shed came about after we became aware of the ‘Men’s Sheds’ movement in the UK. Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.
The Blackdown Community Shed is open for members on Sundays and Mondays 10am – 4pm.
Download a membership form:
Why do we need a Shed?
For a long time, research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.
For further information please contact Peta Dayus-Jones on
01823 680687 or email blackdowncommunityshed@bhlac.org.uk
Make a change
Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, fewer older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. Men’s Sheds can change all of that.
For further information please contact Peta Dayus-Jones on
01823 680687 or email blackdowncommunityshed@bhlac.org.uk
Have Fun, Share Skills
Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and in many cases, they save men’s lives.
Blackdown Community Shed is a member of the UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA).
If you would like find out more about the UKMSA, visit: menssheds.org.uk
