BROMSGROVE businesses are being urged to support the AgeUK Men in Sheds scheme to secure its long-term future.
Shares are being offered in the project which originates from an Australian scheme started in the 1990s in a bid to tackle isolation and loneliness among older men amidst their retirement.
The Bromsgrove Men in Sheds Group has been operating since 2016, providing a supportive and friendly setting where anybody (not just men) can socialise and learn new skills.
Jim Collis, one of the group’s founders, said: “Although we make and build items from materials The Shed helps to re-build lives for people who are lonely – it helped me a lot after I lost my wife.”
Another member added: “I thought I’d lost all this when I finished work but now I’ve got a new bunch of mates to share interests and experiences with.”
For £100 local businesses, groups and individuals can sponsor a ‘Shed Share’ for a year.
Sponsors will receive a Shed Share certificate and have their support recognised in a variety of ways by AgeUK BRWF (Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest) and the Men In Sheds Group.
The Shed Share scheme is being launched at Age UK BRWF’s Church Street Shop in Bromsgrove at 11am tomorrow.
Members of Men In Sheds (or ‘Shedders’) will be in the shop from 11am to 1pm to talk to anyone interested supporting the group or joining it.
Members will also display their latest products and be launching their new spring catalogue.
AgeUK BRWF has linked up with Heart of Worcestershire College to support the launch of the share scheme.
Kate Hutchings, the college’s work placement officer – the arts, said they were delighted to be involved.
“Four of our first year film and TV students: Liam Collett, Ethan Harper, Chelsea Price and Patrick Whinder-Montague, will film and edit two short videos to promote the excellent work of the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds, in Stoke Prior.”
It provided students with valuable work experience and ensured the Men in Sheds had the opportunities to speak on screen about the project and the impact it had on their lives.
Anyone unable to get to the Church Street Shop tomorrow can find out more about the Shed Share scheme by contacting Jo Hughes at AgeUK BRWF via email at [email protected] or by calling 01527 868855.
“Bromsgrove Men In Sheds makes a real difference – please help us to continue making that difference,” added Jo.
