Men’s shed launches in Enfield to help improve health and wellbeing among older men

Enfield Men's Shed members in their shipping container — *Enfield Shed members in their shipping container*

Age UK Enfield has launched the borough’s first ‘men’s shed‘ where older people can go to share skills, make friends and build things.

The men’s shed concept first started in Australia in the 1990s and has gradually spread around the world as a way to boost men’s health and wellbeing in retirement. The new men’s shed in Enfield, funded by GVC Ladbrokes, is based out of a shipping container in Bush Hill Park and welcomes residents aged 50 and over, offering a range of activities for all abilities – and always with a hot drink.

There is something of interest for everyone as the ‘shedders’ have ownership of the projects and decide their own programme of events, creating opportunities to contribute to the local community.

The aims of men’s sheds is to provide a safe and welcoming place to meet, to build self-confidence, connect to others and make new friends. Many people have experienced loss, of a partner or occupation, which can have huge detrimental effects on health and wellbeing.

Enfield Shed’s co-ordinator Steve Mendrys said: “We’ve had a terrific response from the community so far. We’ve been overwhelmed with donations of tools and offers of help and we are so grateful.

“The past few weeks have been busy preparing our first shed to open the door to the public. We had a terrific turnout for the launch on Sunday [2nd] and look forward to building up the numbers and opening more sheds across the borough. Just seeing people leaving with budding new friendships and excited to start already makes me feel we have achieved so much in such a short time.”

Men are more often susceptible to ‘suffering in silence’ and not talking about their health concerns or worries, but men’s sheds can help people to manage their health and wellbeing and possibly prevent health conditions by connecting to other community-based activities, health awareness and practitioners.

One new men’s shed member said: “I arrived feeling apprehensive, my wife had encouraged me to come to meet people, but I didn’t really think I needed to. But meeting Steve and the others today, I am keen to come back!”

For more information about Enfield Shed:
Call 0208 375 4120
Email [email protected]

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