In March this year, we chatted to members of the Men’s Shed based in Haverhill.

The Men’s Shed encourages people to come together to make, repair and repurpose materials, whilst supporting projects in their local communities. Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation is the Men’s Shed’s key objectives.

Research gathered by the UK Men’s Sheds Association Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023, suggests 89% of regular attendees at a Men’s Shed experience a decrease in their depression.

And it’s not just for men!

Here, Antony, Dave, and Gary tell us a little more about their Men’s Shed, what it means to them and the plans for the future.

The story so far

Dave and Antony created the vision for the Men’s Shed three years ago. Antony, in particular (through his day job), noticed men of retirement age had a higher suicide rate. He felt a lot of men had skills going to waste, and they were overall happier when they were involved in a productive activity.

Dave says: “Antony invited me to get involved with the Men’s Shed from the start. We sat down and talked about how we could make it work. Things have progressed a lot since that initial conversation.”

Antony explains that when the idea first came up, he approached John Morely from The Centre.

The Centre is based in Haverhill and is an independent accredited daytime service for unemployed people aged 16 to 65+ with additional needs arising from disability.

“I knocked on the door and said, “Can I use your premises for free in the evening and weekends, please?”

From there, the Men’s Shed started to take shape.

“At the start, we didn’t know what it was going to look like or if anyone would turn up.” Antony explained.

They started on Saturday mornings, and before long, membership stood at nearly 50.

When discussing the main reasons for others to join the Men’s Shed, Antony explains:

“We have members who have lost their partners or are carers for their husbands or wives. It’s a place of escape, a respite, a little break. Some are retired, and some have no families around.”

There is no commitment to attending the Men’s Shed; you can come once or twice, dip in and out, or just show up when you need a friend. Being an individual and offering your thoughts and ideas is important.

Gary explains: “I am still working, so I don’t always have time to go. When I know they need support, i’m there. It’s some time off to have fun with your mates!”

No matter what session you attend, you are just as valued as any member of the Men’s Shed. The point is you can engage at whatever level you want.

Dave explains: “I have no family – these people here are my family, and they treat me well. If I’m not here, they want to know where I am.”

It was essential to Antony that membership is available to all:

“It shouldn’t cost to have friends, and that was important from the beginning. We charge £2 a month, and that just about covers our insurance.”

The Men’s Shed also plays a vital role in breaking down the barriers that men often have around difficult conversations about health, both mental and physical. It’s a benefit that members can have discussions amongst themselves and make these issues ‘normalised’.

Anthony added: “We will also signpost members to other resources if we feel they need extra support outside of what our friendship or conversations can give them.”

There is only one rule, and that is respect.

A current week at the Men’s Shed:
Tuesday – Music
Wednesday – Social evening
Thursday – On the tools
Friday – Drop in at The Link
Saturday – Workshop

The bungalow

As they grew, Antony knew they would need bigger premises. The trustees managed to secure the old caretaker’s bungalow at Samuel Ward Academy in Chalkstone Way.

“The idea is that the bungalow will be ‘the Men’s Shed’. We will aim to have 21 weekly sessions here, morning, afternoon and evening. The sessions will have different themes, and we want to get all generations involved, grandparents and grandchildren, creating positive male and female role models.”

In the garden of the bungalow, there are two shipping containers that will be used for metalwork and woodwork. The main frame of the bungalow has two main rooms for activities and a larger area for social gatherings.

The bungalow needs a lot of work including a new bathroom and electrical rewiring and what they have achieved so far from the help of local businesses has been incredible.

Antony says, “The local authority has been fantastic, and so have the local businesses I have approached for help.”

And Dave agrees: “Some of the donations we have had have been great.”

Antony explains that he approaches companies and asks them what they are getting rid of that costs them money. Usually, these items are reusable and would otherwise end up in landfill. They have managed to secure materials for ramps, roofs and even a pathway. There is a big focus on reusing and recycling and saving money for the community.

The Men’s Shed does rely on grants and donations, and Antony says: “We registered as a charity last year. This gives others confidence in us should they wish to donate or when we apply for grants.”

The future

There are currently 43 members of this Men’s Shed. As the group gets bigger, they want the type of sessions to grow with it.

Members are actively encouraged to share their ideas, and the group will find a way to ensure everyone can engage with a session that suits them.

Gary says: “If we can get sessions running seven days a week, members haven’t just got that Saturday to look forward to. You can look forward to all week or whenever they are free.”

Antony would like to get to a point where members of the Men’s Shed can offer services in the community, for example, changing a light bulb or even selling some of the items made in the workshop.

It’s important that the shed is not about finishing the building. It’s about the connections and the friendships that are made between each other along the way.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the Men’s Shed please get in touch with them on mens.shed.haverhill@gmail.com or on 07938 017 851.

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