St Helens Allotment joining national Men's Shed campaign

Designed to combat feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, the Men's Sheds Association are outdoor spaces where men can pursue practical interests and skills while connecting with the local community.

From Thursday, March 3, the Windle-based allotment will join the UK-wide network to connect with other local groups, increase their reach across the community, and offer more community projects.

The relationship comes as the Men's Sheds Association launches a national Charter for wellbeing in craft and DIY to encourage local people, groups and companies to work together on community projects, activities and workshops.

Cabbage Hall Community Allotments on Hard Lane, Windle

Jeff Martindale, chair of Cabbage Hall, said: "Our Shed is tremendously proud to support this Charter.

"It is a national campaign to promote men’s health and allows us to connect to new groups and hopefully bring more people to our Shed."

One of the St Helens 'shedders' said that the community group is "great for being outdoors and meeting others" and would otherwise be sat in front of the TV "watching the same thing day in day out".

With a focus on promoting health and wellbeing, 96% of men who attended a local 'Shed' group across the country felt less lonely, 89% were not as depressed; 75% had decreased anxiety and 88% felt more connected to the community.

Charlie Bethel, Chief Officer of UK Men’s Sheds Association, said: "Men’s Sheds save lives, reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness, at the same time they are creating incredible things.

With suicide reported as being the biggest killer of men under the age of 50, Charlie emphasised that it is "vitally important that we particularly champion men’s health."