Men in Sheds is a project started by Age UK Cheshire in the autumn of 2008. It is based on an Australian project called Mens Sheds, which has expanded greatly over the last few years with around 1000 sheds now open. The idea spread to Ireland where over 200 sheds are now open and the project has even been credited with lowering their suicide figures.
The ‘sheds’ are a euphemism for a club and is actually an industrial unit where men can meet to undertake a variety of activities such as woodworking, metalworking, art and computers - almost like a youth club for the over 50’s! Age UK Cheshire's Men in Sheds project currently has 4 sheds, in Hartford, Ellesmere Port, Crewe and Chester.
It’s a chance to learn new skills - or just pop along for a brew and a chat! Men find it far easier to chat around doing something, and with other men than they do in more formal surroundings. The guys have come together to form new friendships, men from all walks of life. They’ve even been known to meet outside of the shed socially.