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Wells-next-the-Sea Men's Shed celebrates funding grant

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Helped by an initiative from Adult Services at Norfolk County Council to kick start the Men’s Shed programme in the county, the Wells Men’s Shed was set up in January this year.  A small, enthusiastic group of local men, who didn’t previously know one another, formed a committee and started to seek a suitable venue. The group was successful in finding a suitable portakabin and were kindly offered a site to locate it within the complex of the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway.

Dereham-based charity Community Action Norfolk (CAN) awarded the grant as part of their CAN Connect project, aimed at combatting loneliness and social isolation in communities.

Terry Kane Chairman of the Wells Men’s Shed said

“Men’s Sheds are about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter. Members work on individual projects and come together to work on community-based projects and share their skills over a cuppa.”

“This award will help the Group pay for the Portakabin thereby securing our future. We are grateful to Community Action Norfolk (CAN) for their guidance and support in our project and this has given the Group a real boost.”

It’s widely accepted that when men come together to connect, converse and create, they stay healthier for longer, both mentally and physically, thereby improving their general wellbeing. Men’s Sheds often get involved in community projects – restoring village features, helping maintain parks and green spaces, and building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need.

And at Wells it’s most definitely not a chauvinistic enterprise – there’s also a Ladies Shed.

Wells Men’s Shed has already helped with restoration and building work for Binham Art Group, South Creake Chapel, Wells Library and with Wells in Bloom at St Nicholas’ Church. Woodwork, wood turning, carving, metal work, modelling, furniture restoration, computing, repairing and of course ‘bodging’ are just some of the future activities planned.

Sally Thornton, Community Development Officer at CAN said

“Encouraging people to get involved in their communities is essential for good health and combating social isolation. Here at CAN we’re available to help with funding and governance advice as well as project management support.”

For more information and news about the Wells Men’s Shed please visit www.wellsnexttheseamensshed.weebly.com or for advice with funding and project planning in your community contact office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk  tel: 01362 698216