Men in Sheds Cheltenham & Gloucester building lasting community connections

The Cheltenham & Gloucester group received £7,500 from the county council to extend its programme, which brings members together for creative activities that benefit both individuals and the local community. The group reduces social isolation, with members experiencing improved physical and mental wellbeing.

The new unit in Cheltenham opened on Friday 7 February, with a fantastic launch event. The event welcomed community members, supporters of the Shed, the Mayor, and the local MP to celebrate the opening and the excellent work that Men in Sheds Cheltenham and Gloucester do.

The Cheltenham-based group meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and membership is growing as word spreads. They also have a group based at The Gordon League RFC in Hempsted which is open each Tuesday and Friday. Members work with local schools, care homes, and hospitals on creative projects and partner with other local Voluntary and Community Sector organizations, such as the Butterfly Garden.

Members reuse and recycle materials whenever possible, receiving donations of pallets or offcuts of wood from local businesses or purchasing materials at discounted rates. They build a variety of items, including benches, planters, wheelbarrows, and playhouses. They also design and build shelters, stages, sheds etc.

The group also runs regular social events, such as lunches, skittle nights, and Macmillan coffee mornings. The investment has allowed more people than ever to enjoy the opportunity to socialize, be creative, and contribute to their local community while looking after their own wellbeing.

Member Stories:

• Chris and Mel enjoy training others on different machines. They have made many friends through Men in Sheds, more than in their working life and previous home towns.
• Alan loves attending, learning new skills, and being part of the community, which he says is essential for wellbeing. The group gives him the chance to use tools and machines that he wouldn't normally have access to or space for at home. He has built a fire engine for his grandson and a rocking horse for his granddaughter.
• Roger has been a member for five years and loves working on community projects, which he finds rewarding. He describes it as a welcoming and open space for those who want to get involved or for those who prefer to sit back, have a coffee, and chat with others.

Thanks to funding from the Thriving Communities Grant, Men in Sheds Cheltenham & Gloucester continues to go from strength to strength!

For more details, please visit mis-cheltenham-gloucester.uk