A community group meets in Boscombe every Wednesday and Thursday to provide men in the local area with a place to socialise, contribute to a wider charity project and boost their mental health.
The Men’s Shed is based in Immanuel Church.
It is run by Antony Michael Brown who got the idea when he lived in Australia and discovered there was a Men’s Shed close to his home.
This gave him the inspiration to create one in England, where he now lives.
The Men’s Shed brings the older men aged 60 and above together to take part in practical activities, including cleaning and restoring old tools that have been donated to the church.
Brown explained that charity groups from all over the UK, including the Men’s Shed, contribute every month to a 40-foot container full of hand tools which ‘is sent to Sub-Saharan Africa’.
For some members, the group gives them an opportunity to get out of the house, meet new people and feel part of the community.
Explaining the need for a group specifically for men, Brown said: ‘Men can experience particular social problems that are unlike those experienced by women.’
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 22% of men in the UK aged 65 and over are affected by depression. Around 85% of older people do not receive any help or treatment from the NHS.
The group helps the local community by giving members a purpose.
Member Jim Waterman, whose wife has dementia, has benefited from the positive mental health impacts of being part of the group.
He attends the group for ‘relaxation and to talk about anything but my wife’s illness’.
Michael Webner joined the group in hopes of ‘trying to meet people of my own age’.
He said the group enabled members to expand their social network.
Men’s Shed can be contacted at 01202424994 and office@immanuelsouthbourne.org.
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