Improving the well-being of local people in later life.
The Mental Health Initiative
• 21% of men over 65 claimed they would socialise more if they had a group they could go to and learn a new skill.
•81% said they would prefer to socialise around a common interest.
•39% would feel more comfortable in a group with other men.
RVS — Quote Source
Yearly Report
As of the end of 2023 we can positively say that our Shed in Ottery St Mary is now firmly embedded in community, being recognised by all including our local medical practice, the Coleridge Medical Centre.
We have had a number of administrative changes with new trustees replacing others who have served their terms. The important fact that our leadership still remains firmly in the hands of our Chairman Rob Petrie. Since he is no longer a trustee, he now calls himself a Shed Manager, but he still is our Chairman as far as I am concerned! And a very good one.
We are probably the best-equipped Shed in East Devon. Our latest acquisition was a CNC Router. This machine has tremendous potential in spite of its steep learning curve!
We continue our membership expansion especially from ladies on Saturday, our Community Shed day. Our regular days are now Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the usual hours of 10am to 4pm.
Occasionally, we open on a Wednesday, as a training day for aspiring wood turners.
As ever, we are looking for new members who have administrative or teaching skills who wish to give something back to the community.
We look forward to an exciting New Year in 2024 with, amongst other endeavours, the possibility for timber storage elsewhere which will enable more space in our premises.
Don’t forget to check out our FACEBOOK page by clicking ‘here’ for more updates, member projects and comissions
Tony Pugh
President
Registered Charity 1174652
“Around 30% of people in East Devon are aged 65 or over. Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and, unlike women of a similar age, fewer older men have networks of friends and rarely share their concerns about their health and personal worries.
For some men, when retirement comes, it can feel like their personal identity and sense of purpose is lost. There may be nowhere to use the skills that they have learnt at school, work and over a lifetime, and there are few places to meet people and make new contacts and potential friends.“
(Trustee Tony Pugh 2019)
Positively adding to the community through social interaction and skill sharing.
Some men live alone because their partner has died; others find themselves being the full-time Carer for their partners who may themselves need medical, physical and emotional support. The resulting loneliness and isolation can create a dangerous downward spiral.
Drop by for a chat and see what we are doing
A positive and proactive response to these challenges is the ‘Men’s Shed’ movement. Here people have come together to create a place where local men can go to make things, repair things, meet with other men and socialise – even if it’s just to have a cup of tea and a chat.
Find us on the map below! Let’s meet up to talk and connect with others while participating in group or individual projects.
A Men’s Shed is not about the building that it is in, but the connections and relationships between its members.
We are now OPEN 4 DAYS a WEEK - Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays with Saturday being the Community Shed day from 10am - 4pm.
We have an open door policy and welcome anyone during our opening hours to come and say “Hello!”
We look forward to meeting you!
Need more info? No obligation join up here or pop down!