One of our favourite shed-based organisations, Men's Shed, is celebrating with the opening of its 500th shed - marking a 66% increase in openings over the last three years - as well as announcing a new partner in Ronseal.
The 500th shed (pictured above) was opened in the village of Blewbury, Oxfordshire, six years after Men's Shed launched in the UK and like all the others across the country offers a range of DIY sessions as well as bringing men together to reduce loneliness and social isolation, especially among the elderly and retired.
Indeed, a survey by the UK Men’s Sheds Association showed that 97% said they had made new friends at a Men’s Shed, while 89% noted a decrease in depression. The association also reported that the volunteering value of ‘shedders’ supporting the local community each year is an estimated £10.5m. Men’s Sheds now provide a welcoming social space for around 12,000 members in the UK.
In addition to the opening of the 500th shed, the UK Men’s Sheds Association also announced a new partnership with British woodcare specialist Ronseal. This includes sponsorship by Ronseal of a series of DIY skills sessions at The Manchester Men’s Shed in Moss Side, beginning this summer. The plan is to roll out the skills sessions to more sheds in future, helping to add further momentum to the already fast-growing Men’s Sheds movement.
Charlie Bethel, Chief Officer of UK Men’s Sheds Association, said: “The opening of the 500th shed is a real cause for celebration. Since the Men’s Sheds movement began in the UK, we’ve seen sheds right across the country make a huge difference to the lives of their members and the communities they support. The new partnership with Ronseal is further evidence that the Men’s Sheds movement is going from strength to strength as we continue to bring in new partners and offer new skills and services through Men’s Sheds.”
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