Local Men’s Sheds Projects Win Backing Of MP

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, has given his backing to ‘Men’s Sheds’ projects across his constituency, supported by the UK Men’s Sheds Association.

Men’s Sheds aims to support older men, and women, to get together and connect with likeminded people in the area while learning new skills such as metalworking, electronics or even building cars.

It is a community-led initiative which provides social benefits like combatting loneliness, while also equipping people with new and improved skills in a fun setting. Many Men’s Sheds get involved in community projects such as restoring village features or improving parks; providing wider benefits for the local area.

The concept was originally founded in 2013 when there were just 30 Men’s Sheds across the country. There are now over 500, with another 100 currently being developed, including in Beverley and Holderness.

With one project located in Withernsea – formerly located in the SHoRes Centre but now with a site of their own – and new locations in Beverley and Hornsea, Graham is looking forward to seeing the benefits to the local community first-hand.

Graham commented, “Tackling loneliness has been a priority for this and the last Government, with the first-ever strategy for tackling loneliness launched in 2018 – building on the excellent work of the Jo Cox Foundation who I’ve supported in Parliament.

“The strategy singled out the need to increase the number of spaces available for community use, and Men’s Sheds is a great example of this. They provide an easy opportunity to get out, connect with new people, and learn new things.

Alan Cusworth, Chair of the Hornsea Men in Sheds trustees, said: “After a full year trying to find suitable premises, we finally signed a lease and moved into our ‘Shed’ on 2nd December 2019.

“When someone retires after having worked their whole lives, they sometimes find it difficult to mix with others or find something to do. Hornsea’s Shed offers people the opportunity to get out of the house and helps to prevent depression.

“The first task in our shed has been the construction of a social area and the impact on people has been immediate. Members have made new friends and shared new skills, while some new to the area have forged new relationships very quickly and feel integrated.

“Some of our members aren’t in the best of health, and by coming to our Shed they’ve been able to enjoy new company. Many have said that it was just what they needed.”

Graham added, “I’m very much looking forward to meeting Shed members while visiting the new sites in Beverley and Hornsea in a few weeks’ time and seeing for myself the benefits that come from providing community spaces like this.

If anyone is interested in setting up a Shed in their own community, they can find out more at menssheds.org.uk.