A popular hobby workshop that aims to support older men by teaching them new wood-working skills has been launched in Daybrook.
Age UK and Gedling Borough Council are working together to set up a Men in Sheds workshop at the Stores Building on Nottingham Road, Daybrook.
The movement, which originally began in Australia, aims to address social isolation for men in later life by getting them involved in productive activity while also reaping the benefits of a social group.
The new shed in Daybrook is the fourth to launch in Nottinghamshire, following successful workshops in Nottingham, Blidworth and Worksop.
Nicky Wheddon, Project Manager of Men in Sheds at Age UK Notts, is delighted to be opening another shed.
“There are plenty of different schemes for people in later life, but they often appeal mainly to women and men can feel left out,” he said.
A project like this engages men in later life and offers the chance to share their skills and make new friends – or just have a cup of tea and a chat.
Inclusive
Age UK Notts provides equipment and volunteers to make sure the shed is a safe and inclusive place for the men to enjoy.
Members are completely involved in the development of the shed and choose the activities that they wish to participate in as well as what products should be made to sell or take home.
Any profit made from selling products go towards supporting the project and the work of Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire.
Gedling Borough Council are providing the space rent free and are also contributing towards its running costs.
Mayor of Gedling Borough Council, Jenny Hollingsworth, said: “We’ve been working on this project and raising money with Age UK for a very long time and it’s great to finally open the doors.
It is so important that we all work together to tackle loneliness and isolation in older men.
The workshop is open to men over the age of 60 from all backgrounds, welcoming wood-working beginners to highly skilled joiners; there is a role for everyone.
The Daybrook workshop launches on Thursday March between midday and 2pm, with subsequent workshops running every Monday and Tuesday, costing £1.50 per session.
Those looking for more information or to book a place at the Daybrook Shed should call 0787 283 9570.
