Kindness campaign supports men’s mental health
Our annual kindness campaign has donated funds to a Lincolnshire community group which supports local men.
We have donated funds to a men’s shed in Louth ahead of the festive season.
The donation is part of our yearly community kindness campaign, which will see us support 22 local specialist organisations, charities, food banks and events across our communities to the tune of £82,135.00, with around £24,000 in the Lincolnshire area.
The men’s shed – which is based in Thames Street in the town – is a community space where men can enjoy practical hobbies.
Louth’s men shed was established in July 2015 and, since then, has gone from strength to strength, building a network of support in the local community. With more than 40 members, the group aims to tackle loneliness, social isolation and mental health concerns, providing a meeting space for men to socialise as well as take part in creative projects. Members work with wood, metal and fabrics, including soldering, upholstery, stained glass, cycle repairs, wood turning and paint finishing. Products include planters, bug hotels, bird tables, cheeseboards, fridge magnets and bird boxes and are sold direct to customers or from a stall in the Co-op in Newmarket; they are also on sale at Louth Christmas Market and an annual summer fayre in the town.
Martin Peck, Chairman at Louth’s Men Shed said: “We are so grateful to Platform for providing us with these vital funds to help support our work. Our space provides an area where men can socialise and learn new skills, but more than that, it is a place where people can find a listening ear when they need one.”
Darren Dodds, our Community Engagement Officer said: “We have customers who attend Louth’s Men Shed and the feedback we receive is always positive. The environment supports positive conversations and welcomes people at their own pace, whether they are bereaved, out of work, socially isolated or just want to keep busy. We are delighted to support such a worthwhile initiative which offers a vital lifeline to people who are experiencing daily or ongoing challenges.”
Members can come along every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10.00am until 3.00pm; it is not an exclusively male environment and welcomes women as well.
The modern Men’s Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of European culture. They officially started in Australia in 1966 and are now found all over the world. Members come from all walks of life; the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time. The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of their communities.
Photo caption : l to r, Menshed members John Barlow, Harry Wyatt and Chris Exley with the campaign’s logo