About
A Brief History of Our Shed - The Port Men in Sheds (TPMiS)
A ‘Men in Sheds’ scheme has now been in operation in Ellesmere Port for over thirteen years. Prior to 31st August 2021 our shed was managed and funded by Age (UK) Cheshire initially by a Lottery funding grant and later by substantial corporate sponsorship.
Over this 13 years the Men in Sheds project has been a significant force in Ellesmere Port in helping 100s of older men combat the effects of loneliness and isolation often brought about through retirement and bereavement. National research has shown
Our Trustees have no doubt that these superior health outcomes are replicated at our Ellesmere Port shed.
Unfortunately during 2020 Age (UK) Cheshire lost its corporate sponsorship for the Men in Sheds project and was no longer in a financial position to continue its managerial and financial support of the Men in Sheds project.
However, Age (UK) Cheshire did provide a programme of transitional support to help register our newly independent ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ charity – this was completed on 1st September 2020. Since 1st September 2021 ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ has operated as an independent self-funded charity.
The objectives of The Port Men in Sheds, is to promote social inclusion and relieve the needs of those affected by social isolation or loneliness which includes people impacted by retirement, unemployment, bereavement, old age, being a carer, disability or ill health (mental or physical).
This is achieved by encouraging people over 18 and particularly older men, to talk about their concerns and experiences around their health issues and by providing facilities where they can meet and undertake such activities as woodwork, metalwork, craft, creative and recreational activities, and learning and sharing new skills in support of others in the group and in the community. This includes involvement with and supporting community projects and working with other charities and voluntary organizations.
Social Isolation is an objective measure of the number of contacts that people have. It is about the quality not the quantity of relationships.
Loneliness is a subjective feeling about the gap between a persons desired level of social contact. It refers to the perceived quality of the persons relationships.
Socially Excluded means being excluded from society, or parts of society.
Our Base
Currently, The Port Men in Sheds is based at Overpool Community Centre, Rivacre Road, E.Port CH66 1LL and we are open to men, aged 18+, in all surrounding areas.
The Global Phenomenon That Is ‘Men in Sheds’ – Historical Perspective.
Since originating in Australia in the seventies the ‘Men in Sheds’ movement has become a worldwide phenomenon. In the UK workshops have been set up in a wide variety of locations with differing funding models. Men’s sheds generally offer a social space where older men can come together and engage in woodwork, varying types of craftwork or other social activities – for many it is often simply having a cup of tea and biscuit whilst having a banter with others. Research suggests that engaging in practical activities in the company of others is extremely beneficial and such social interactions improve mental wellbeing allowing members to learn from others whilst helping many deal with
The Men in Sheds movement has been subject to research in a number of countries and has even been referred to as being ‘Health by Stealth’. With milder bouts of depressive disorders it can provide an alternative to medication and also aids those recovering from more acute depressive episodes thus helping relieve pressure on the overstretched NHS. ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ is happy to acknowledge our ongoing connections with local ‘Social Prescribing’ organisations including local GP practices.
‘The Sheds provide a compassionate and supportive space for older men to share their health concerns and experiences with other men that is separate from traditional therapeutic interventions. Talking with other men and having somewhere to go during the week contributed to a reduction in feelings of depression. ‘
Professor Rebecca Lawthom Et. Al. 2018.
Centre for Psychology, Health & Community, Manchester Metropolitan University
Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
A ‘Men in Sheds’ scheme has now been in operation in Ellesmere Port for over thirteen years. Prior to 31st August 2021 our shed was managed and funded by Age (UK) Cheshire initially by a Lottery funding grant and later by substantial corporate sponsorship.
Over this 13 years the Men in Sheds project has been a significant force in Ellesmere Port in helping 100s of older men combat the effects of loneliness and isolation often brought about through retirement and bereavement. National research has shown
‘Men in Sheds’ projects have resulted in superior health outcomes for those affected by loneliness and isolation.
Our Trustees have no doubt that these superior health outcomes are replicated at our Ellesmere Port shed.
Unfortunately during 2020 Age (UK) Cheshire lost its corporate sponsorship for the Men in Sheds project and was no longer in a financial position to continue its managerial and financial support of the Men in Sheds project.
However, Age (UK) Cheshire did provide a programme of transitional support to help register our newly independent ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ charity – this was completed on 1st September 2020. Since 1st September 2021 ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ has operated as an independent self-funded charity.
The objectives of The Port Men in Sheds, is to promote social inclusion and relieve the needs of those affected by social isolation or loneliness which includes people impacted by retirement, unemployment, bereavement, old age, being a carer, disability or ill health (mental or physical).
This is achieved by encouraging people over 18 and particularly older men, to talk about their concerns and experiences around their health issues and by providing facilities where they can meet and undertake such activities as woodwork, metalwork, craft, creative and recreational activities, and learning and sharing new skills in support of others in the group and in the community. This includes involvement with and supporting community projects and working with other charities and voluntary organizations.
Social Isolation is an objective measure of the number of contacts that people have. It is about the quality not the quantity of relationships.
Loneliness is a subjective feeling about the gap between a persons desired level of social contact. It refers to the perceived quality of the persons relationships.
Socially Excluded means being excluded from society, or parts of society.
Our Base
Currently, The Port Men in Sheds is based at Overpool Community Centre, Rivacre Road, E.Port CH66 1LL and we are open to men, aged 18+, in all surrounding areas.
The Global Phenomenon That Is ‘Men in Sheds’ – Historical Perspective.
Since originating in Australia in the seventies the ‘Men in Sheds’ movement has become a worldwide phenomenon. In the UK workshops have been set up in a wide variety of locations with differing funding models. Men’s sheds generally offer a social space where older men can come together and engage in woodwork, varying types of craftwork or other social activities – for many it is often simply having a cup of tea and biscuit whilst having a banter with others. Research suggests that engaging in practical activities in the company of others is extremely beneficial and such social interactions improve mental wellbeing allowing members to learn from others whilst helping many deal with
The Men in Sheds movement has been subject to research in a number of countries and has even been referred to as being ‘Health by Stealth’. With milder bouts of depressive disorders it can provide an alternative to medication and also aids those recovering from more acute depressive episodes thus helping relieve pressure on the overstretched NHS. ‘The Port Men in Sheds’ is happy to acknowledge our ongoing connections with local ‘Social Prescribing’ organisations including local GP practices.
‘The Sheds provide a compassionate and supportive space for older men to share their health concerns and experiences with other men that is separate from traditional therapeutic interventions. Talking with other men and having somewhere to go during the week contributed to a reduction in feelings of depression. ‘
Professor Rebecca Lawthom Et. Al. 2018.
Centre for Psychology, Health & Community, Manchester Metropolitan University
Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
