Men can Shed their loneliness

Bellshill Mens Shed welcomes members of all ages who are involved in a variety of projects, with woodworking being a very popular pursuit.

Bellshill Men’s Shed allows people to come together to undertake creative, physical and recreational activities in order to get them out of the house and combat loneliness.

Since starting last November, the Bellshill Men’s Shed has accrued 20 members, and has just received a grant of £310 from the Asda Foundation to promote the group to men in the area who may also benefit from joining.

Paul Creechan, from the Bellhill Men’s Shed, said: “It felt absolutely wonderful to receive funding from the Asda Foundation.

“Our Shed was slow getting started because we couldn’t afford the tools we needed, and financial assistance like this enables us to do so much.

“At the moment we have a variety of people who come to the Shed, many of whom see it as a way to get out the house and to combat loneliness. It’s a great way to socialise and has really brought the community together.”

Over the last few months the men have been learning traditional crafts such as joinery and furniture renovation as well as taking advantage of the good weather to build and plant raised beds.

They also paid a visit Kirkintilloch Men’s Shed last month to socialise and get some new ideas and suggestions for activities and projects they may wish to take forward.

Julie Ward, senior manager of the Asda Foundation, said: “The Asda Foundation is one of the many ways we can give something back to our local communities.

“That’s why we lend a hand to a wide range of good causes with which our colleagues are involved with, sharing their passion and helping to make a difference through a variety of projects across the UK.

“We see the Sheds programme as making a real difference at a grassroots level and are proud to support this initiative.”

The Bellshill Men’s Shed is located within the YOOZ Building and DIY Reuse Centre in Mossbell Road.

It is open to all men in the local area over the age of 18 who are welcome to pop along every Thursday from 10am-4pm.

Anyone who requires more information can call Sonia Pitman on 01698 274666 or e-mail [email protected], you can also follow on Twitter @Bellshill_Shed.