Men in Sheds set to spread to Amersham after event success

A new Men in Sheds group is set to be established in Amersham after the success of an information event in the town.

At this month’s launch event (July 20), about 20 men attended the session at the Amersham Free Church to find out about the scheme which has already been a hit across other parts of Bucks.

In recent years, groups have started in Aylesbury, Buckingham and High Wycombe where members enjoy a range of activities including modelling, woodwork, metalwork, depending on the group.

Community Impact Bucks partnered BCC in the organisation of the event arranging for volunteers from the Aylesbury Men in Sheds to be on hand to make sure the Amersham recruits were welcomed and informed. Aylesbury Shed members brought along items they had made and talked about how they established a ‘shed’ from the grass roots, offering tips on how to get started.

Sue Denness, Community Champion from Amersham Tesco, supplied lunch at the meeting. Staff from Paradigm, Samaritans and Chiltern Probus and other organisations also attended to see what was going to happen and help spread the word of this new men’s social group.

Natalie Judson, Community Links Officer for Buckinghamshire County Council’s Prevention Matters programme, which is providing funding for the Men in Sheds projects, said: “At one point there were 16 men in attendance but others dropped in later.

“At the end of the first session, the men were very keen to progress a Men in Sheds in Amersham. We were pleased with the way things went. There was a real mix of all ages and abilities in the room that would complement each other to create a great local ‘shed’.”

The Council funding is part of the Prevention Matters initiative which aims to support people and projects in the community to increase independence and delay more complex health needs resulting from ageing, isolation, illness or disability. Other ‘Sheds’ across the County have made a vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of men, in particular those older aged men giving them the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills at the same time.

There will now be a further meeting on Monday 3 August between 1pm to 3 pm at the Amersham Free Church to discuss what activities members of the new group want to focus on and how they will go forward. The group will meet weekly thereafter – Mondays between 1 and 4pm approx. at the same location until a more permanent venue is found.

Martin Phillips, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “The Men in Sheds project has proved a magnificent success and I am delighted it now is getting off the ground so impressively in Amersham.”

For further information about Men in Sheds,please call 01844 348831 or email Samantha@communityimpactbucks.org.uk