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Men's Sheds, Change Lives

At West Wight Men In Sheds, we look upon our Shed as a collective group of people working towards a common goal. Our shed is primarily (but not exclusively) aimed at people aged 18+.

There are many reasons why you may want to join our shed. Maybe you’re retired and looking to fill some of your time. You may currently be unemployed and need that ‘boost’ to gain confidence and skills. You may have a long-term medical condition that stops you from carrying out regular work. Or you might just want to come along and talk.

At West Wight Men In Sheds, we look upon our Shed as a collective group of people working towards a common goal. Our shed is primarily (but not exclusively) aimed at people aged 18+.

There are many reasons why you may want to join our shed. Maybe you’re retired and looking to fill some of your time. You may currently be unemployed and need that ‘boost’ to gain confidence and skills. You may have a long-term medical condition that stops you from carrying out regular work. Or you might just want to come along and talk.

Whatever your circumstances as soon as you walk through our door you will become a ‘Shedder’, and will be welcomed in whichever capacity you wish to be involved.

A shed can be located anywhere, not just in a workshop. It could be in a school, be part of another community group in a church hall or even in a back garden. Our shed is based in the old changing rooms on Totland Recreational Ground. Which has been converted in to a Workshop Area and a Kitchen/Rest Area.

Why is the Shed Needed?

For a long time, research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as bad for our health as obesity and excessive smoking.

Mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, fewer older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries.

It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. This can be the same for some women. Men In Sheds can change all of that.

Men in Sheds is about promoting social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing generally people (particularly but not exclusively older people) residing in West Wight area of the Isle of Wight and its surrounding areas, from becoming socially excluded*, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society by providing a place and facilities where they can meet others and undertake creative, recreational or physical activities, learn and pass on skills, gain confidence and support each other socially and mentally.

*Socially excluded means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors: loneliness, isolation, unemployment; financial hardship; old age; mental ill health; poor educational or skills attainment; bereavement or relationship and family breakdown.

Why Join In?

  • “Good to get out regularly for social interactions”
  • “It makes me feel useful again”
  • “Getting out, meeting new people, learning new skills?”
  • “Gives me a reason to get up in the morning”
  • “Love it! Great company and fun”

Get Involved!

If you have time on your hands, and would like to join our shed that is based in Totland Bay.