Bromsgrove Men In Sheds invite you for a Cuppa!

The Bromsgrove Shedders invite you to ‘The Shed’ for a cuppa as part of a ‘Community Open Day’ on Saturday 10th September (10am-12pm) to help raise awareness of, and support for, this much-valued local group!

Bromsgrove Men In Sheds (which is part of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest) has been operating from Unit 1 Metal & Ores Industrial Estate, Stoke Prior, B60 4JZ since 2016. Men in Sheds originates from an Australian project started in the 1990’s, called Men’s Sheds, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.

Over the last couple of years we have been reminded of the importance of ‘social connections’ and a ‘sense of belonging’. Initiatives such as Bromsgrove Men In Sheds have never been needed more and are such an important part of our communities. Not only does the Shed support individuals (by providing friendship, along with a sense of purpose and belonging) but the Bromsgrove Shed also benefits the wider community, by getting involved in a range of community projects. Following the successes of the Pallet Car for Stoke Prior First School and the Stoke Prior Community Book Library, the Shedders are currently working on a 5-foot Manger for St Michael’s Church (Stoke Prior), as well as installing Shutters for the windows at Charford Scout Hut and restoring the Dodford Children’s Farm’s Dovecote!

The Shedders all come from a variety of backgrounds, but they are united by the Shed. When asked recently what the Shed means to him, one Shedder said:

‘After suffering a stroke I was left with cognitive disorder. After joining the shed I have managed to regain confidence. I have made new friends who in return have helped rebuild my confidence in talking to others, along with new skills I learn weekly at the shed. I would like to thank all those involved for helping me!’

If you know somebody that might be interested in joining the Shed, then please do encourage them to come along to the Open Day on the 10th to see the Shed and to speak with some of the Shedders. As part of the Open Day we would also like to get feedback from other members of the community that might be interested in linking up with the Shed (e.g. is there any interest in a Ladies DIY Group linked with the Shed?).

For any more information about the Shed, the Open Day and/ or how you can support the Shed please contact Jo Hughes at Age UK BRWF (Tel:  01527 868855/ Email: jo.hughes@ageukbrwf.org.uk).