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Community workshop 'essential' to men's wellbeing

BBC An older man stood around a wooden planter - which he is making - and smiling as he rests his hand on a nearby drill on a wooden bench. Other men can be seen in the workshop, working on their own projects.BBC
Roger Grange said his fellow members had helped him with his shed roof, and he had returned the favour by helping them

A group of men who gather to work on projects and "natter" said their workshop is "essential" to their wellbeing.

Men in Sheds Cheltenham and Gloucester is one of more than 1,000 community workshops in the UK.

Members work on projects, many of which are for the local community, such as mud kitchens and planters.

Shedder Roger Grange said: "It's essential. It's the best thing I think you can do, especially when you're retired."

The group's third site at Cheltenham Enterprise Centre will officially open on 7 February.

The 2000 sq ft industrial unit is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council, and has been fitted out to suit the group's needs over the past six months.

Stuart Mackay, chairman of trustees, said members come together "for common purpose".

"Probably 80% of the reason we come is for the camaraderie, for the banter and for, hopefully, the improvement in numbers," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"They come here because they want to which is perhaps a bit different than going to work.

"If they can't come here and smile, there's no point in coming."

A middle aged man with short, greying hair and a high hairline stands next to a mirror, which he has refurbished with a black, cable-like frame in a workshop. He is wearing a hoodie with colourful silhouettes of soldiers on that says "building heroes", and has his hands in the pockets.
The group relies largely on grant funding, and members pay £12 per month to be part of it

Customers pay for materials, and group members provide their time and effort for free.

In some cases, they provide materials to those unable to afford them after receiving a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund several years ago.

Roger Grange, a member of five years, said the group was a "real benefit for everybody".

He said members help each other with their own DIY projects, along with projects for the community, including a new stage for a nursery in Winchcombe, after initially visiting to replace a rotten roof.

'You're still useful'

"They were really pleased with it," said Mr Grange.

"The satisfaction you get when you see the faces of all those little kids, it's fabulous.

"You don't need payment - that's payment enough.

"A big part of the job is the satisfaction. You're old, but you're still useful."

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