Men in Sheds initiative opens in Maidenhead

The Men in Sheds initiative involves a number of community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. Those visiting the sheds will be able to enjoy time to do gardening activities and in the winter months it is hoped they will use their experience and skills, such as carpentry, engineering and gardening to fix up and up-cycle household items.

The latest in a series of Men in Sheds opened on Friday, June 29 at Boyn Grove Community Centre, which belongs to social care provider Optalis. The founder of this Men in Sheds project, Chris Allen, who is a consultant clinical psychologist, spoke at the event about the benefits of men coming together socially in a fun and interactive environment. Martin Farrow, Chief Executive of Optalis, and RBWM Councillor David Coppinger officially opened the shed.

Optalis’ Chief Executive, Martin Farrow, said: “The project encourages men to come along and enjoy some quality time together, doing things that they enjoy. They help to reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. The men’s sheds movement, which encourages men to meet to forge social connection and friendships whilst making and mending, is a great antidote to loneliness.”

Men of any age are invited to visit the shed on Friday mornings from 10am-12.30pm if they wish to be involved in the initiative.