A GROUND-BREAKING scheme to tackle loneliness amongst older men by bringing them together has issued a rallying call to find a venue in the heart of Evesham.
The Evesham Men in Shed’s project supported by Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire has secured funding and is now in need of a building close to the centre of town with electricity, toilets and water.
Age UK chiefs and the steering group members of the Evesham Men in Sheds project spoke to the Observer in a bid to seek help from the local community to find a suitable venue for their shed and hope local property owners, organisations, businesses and local people with any ideas get in touch to suggest their next move.
Men in Sheds projects are springing up across the country as a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practise skills and enjoy making and mending.
While garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature Men’s Sheds are the opposite – they’re about social connections and friendship building, tackling loneliness, sharing skills and knowledge, and cups of tea and laughter.
Other Men in Shed’s projects have used portable buildings, garages, industrial units or spaces where they can site a portable building or even build a shed, but Age UK chiefs are open to all suggestions.
Any venue needing some initial work would also be seriously considered by those looking to get the scheme off the ground.
Alan Partridge, steering group member said: “When established, we will offer a physical space where people can meet and pursue varied interests.
“The project has already received a lot of interest and local support, but a suitable venue is needed to make it happen.”
Age UK’s communications manager Olivia Toye said: “We are really hoping we can find suitable premises in the Evesham area which will enable the Shed to get up and running!
“It’s great to know local members of the community want to attend and local and district councils and some businesses are already supporting the project. If you would like to support a fantastic project, we’d love to hear from you.”
Anyone with suggestions of a potential location or who would like more information on the scheme is asked to e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] for more.
