Did you know that three out four suicides are men? Storeroom2010’s Cowes Men’s Shed has been combatting loneliness and isolation while supporting their wider community through craft and activity.
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.
Reducing lonelieness
In research commissioned by the UK Men’s Sheds Association it was found that just under one-half (43 per cent) of Shed members described themselves as lonely before coming to a Shed. This dropped significantly to just 3 per cent 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 which 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.
‘Call to Action’ event
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 11th December. 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
- Laughter
Martin: There’s always someone here at the Shed to talk to
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.”
Get in touch
Cowes Men’s Shed is open to men and women five days a week, five hours a day.
Please phone (01983) 209 734 or email [email protected] for further information.
News shared by Adam on behalf of Cowes Men’s Shed. Ed
