Men in Sheds has become 'social lifeline' for lonely male pensioners

The garden shed is no longer a man's sacred refuge. Retired men across the UK are being encouraged to forge social connections and friendships while woodmaking - all in the welcoming space of a 'shed'.

Men in Sheds is a service run by local Age UK community groups that brings together fellow DIYers who could otherwise be home alone.

The scheme has become a 'social lifeline' for Simon Farr and Neil Macdonald, who regularly attend Age UK Cheshire’s Men in Sheds project. Mr Macdonald has dementia but his confidence and sense of purpose has been helped 'immeasurably' by his friendship with Mr Farr, who despite being younger than most of the men, is recovering from a stroke.

"It’s helped me out so much with my rehabilitation," said Mr Farr. "Neil and I both have memory problems…we both are one another’s bit of medicine and when you get the two of us together, you can imagine the fun we have."

During his time at the shed, Mr Macdonald has made a large selection of bespoke pens that he has gifted to The Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as a school for underprivileged children in New Zealand.

Companionship and camaraderie

The sheds are spaces, located within communities, where men can socialise by taking part in recreational activities or just attend for food, drink and conversation.

For others, the sheds provide an environment to learn new skills and develop their existing woodworking with support from the shed co-ordinators and others more experienced in woodwork.

One participant in his 60s said: “I notice guys come to read the paper, have a brew and put the world to rights. They are really here for the companionship and camaraderie."

Loneliness is a 'silent epidemic' among men

According to Age UK, men can often hide their feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

When faced by life-changing experiences such as retirement, bereavement or unemployment, men can sometimes feel worthless and cut-off, particularly when their identity has been linked to their job.

However, new research by Manchester Metropolitan University suggests Men in Sheds has been effective in reducing isolation and enhancing self-esteem, all through the engagement of physical activity.

Lead researcher, Dr Jenny Fisher, said: “The number of older adults who live alone in the UK is increasing and while this is of concern for men and women, older men are particularly at risk of being lonely and socially isolated. Weak social connections, loneliness and social isolation are linked to poor health and wellbeing, especially for older men.

“We found that men often don’t have the same opportunities for social activities as women or older men are just less likely to join community groups. With the exception of Men in Sheds, there are limited opportunities for men to engage in community-based social activities.”

'It helped me after I lost my wife'

Last month, Care UK's Chandler Court care home sponsored a local 'Shed Share', making it an official partner of Men in Sheds Bromsgrove.

The Bromsgrove branch was formed in 2016 and now has more than 30 'Shedders' who socialise and learn new skills at woodwork sessions in Stoke Prior.

Jim Collis, one of the group's founding members, said: “Although we make and build items from materials, the shed helps to re-build lives for people who are lonely - it helped me a lot after I lost my wife.”

Chandler Court's manager, Joanne Gill, added: “Building strong links with the local community is really important to us at Chandler Court, and what better way to do so than supporting Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest’s fantastic Men in Sheds scheme.

"Sharing a hobby, such as woodwork, provides a common interest for many older people and allows new connections and friendships to grow." For more information visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/men-in-sheds/