Halesworth Men’s Shed is a place to beat loneliness and isolation

Loneliness and isolation can become a big problem for older men, who are often less inclined to socialise in groups than are women. This can lead to depression, drink problems and ultimately, poor physical and mental health.

Halesworth Men’s Shed, on Norwich Road, is a centre where men can get together, work on DIY projects, share skills and just talk to other men. It provides a fully-equipped work space for woodworking, metalworking and for other crafts, but also a big table and chairs where members, both men and women, can chat over a cup of tea.

Jez Donaldson, 62, who has an IT background, joined the shed quite recently. He says “I live in a fairly remote spot and could go for days without seeing anyone except my wife. Coming to the shed gives me an opportunity to have a laugh with other men and to help them with technical problems with their computers, tablets and smartphones”.

The Halesworth Shed is part of an international network of Men’s Sheds, started in Australia and established in the UK around 2013. There is now estimated to be around 1,000 Sheds in the UK, so there is probably one nearby. It’s possible to search for your local shed on the Men’s Shed Association website, at menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

Shed member Rob Rutterford, 74, a former teacher who has been a member of Halesworth Shed for about six years, says “I like coming down for a few cups of tea and a joke, but also to share skills, which is fantastic.”

“I just came for the social interaction, but quickly found that I could also help other members, which is really rewarding” says Jez. “Sometimes I’ll just sit and drink tea and chat for a couple of hours. There’s no pressure to be productive if you don’t want to be.”

Anyone can drop in to see us at the Shed. We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm. We’re situated on Norwich road just behind Chinny’s. You’ll see our sign when you pull in. Please park behind Chinny’s, as their own car park is private.

You can also visit our website at www.halesworthshed.org.uk, call us on: 01986 835905 or email: shedhalesworth@gmail.com.

 

Photo caption: “Shed member Rob believes the Shed is a fantastic place to share skills, a cup of tea and a joke”