WITH SOCIAL distancing in place and many members in the vulnerable age group, Bromsgrove’s Men In Sheds have gone viral to stay in touch.
The scheme, ran by Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, was given a helping hand with the video meetings from Barratt Homes.
The developer worked with Bromsgrove Men in Sheds in January, when it gave £300 to the charity to aid the cost of a refurbished laptop for members to use and the annual upkeep of the charity’s ‘shed’.
The calls are being used by the Shedders to share ideas and updates regarding their own home projects they are working on.
Jo Hughes from Age UK BRWF thanked the developer for its donation.
“At the ‘heart’ of the shed is the camaraderie and the informal support networks that it creates – it is so important we find ways to ‘maintain this heart’ during the current crisis.
“Having access to Zoom will greatly support our efforts to create a ‘Virtual Shed’ so the Shedders can all keep in touch and help us make sure everybody is keeping safe and well during these difficult times.
“We look forward to what this helps us achieve in the future.”
Men In Sheds, originally introduced to the UK by Age UK Cheshire in 2008, aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation in older men, where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.
The Shed usually provides a space where anybody, including men or women, can work on DIY projects or furniture reclamation and get involved in some community spirit, whilst also having fun.
Graydon Worthing, Sales Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “At this uncertain time, we all need to work together to combat loneliness and ensure we’re still connecting with our loved ones.
“We’ve supported the fantastic work Men in Sheds has done previously, so didn’t hesitate to reach out to them at this time to offer our support.
“We would encourage businesses across Worcestershire to reach out to those in need and see how they can work together to support the community.”
Visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/men-in-sheds/ for more on the Bromsgrove Men In Sheds.
