The Men’s Shed initiative was brought together by Innisfree Housing Association and O’Donovan Waste Disposal, who donated the shed, along with the support of Irish in Britain and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Ireland).  Sited at Innisfree’s sheltered housing scheme at Clochar Court it welcomes residents, the local community and tenants from Innisfree’s other general needs and shared housing.   

The ‘Men’s Shed’ model of community engagement was established in Australia and takes the concept of a ‘garden shed’ and makes it a larger communal space where a group of men (and women) can work side by side on crafts and practical activities such as woodwork, furniture repair and basket weaving. 

Our Men’s Shed provides a social space for men and women to share a ‘cupan tae’ and talk ‘shoulder to shoulder’ while reusing old skills and learning new ones in a relaxed non-pressured environment.  Initially training and resources are being provided for woodwork and basket weaving, and additional specific interests are being developed organically with Shed Members and Innisfree.  These could include:  

• Wood turning 
• Furniture repairs & restoration 
• Bike repairs 
• Wood burning 

All members have been given training by a qualified professional on the safe use of equipment at the start of the project and take individual responsibility for safety in the Shed.

Read the article from Men’s Shed Weekly News here.