Sponsor a Shed Share

Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest is calling upon the support of local businesses and members of the community to help sustain its Bromsgrove Men In Sheds Group.

Men in Sheds originates from an Australian project started in the 1990’s, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.  The Bromsgrove Men in Sheds Group has been operating since 2016, providing a supportive and friendly setting where anybody (it is not just exclusive to men!) can socialise and learn new skills.

Jim Collis, one of the founding members of the group 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”

Another member of the group added: “I thought I'd lost all this when I finished work but now I've got a new bunch of mates to share interests and experiences with”

To help raise funds to ensure the continuation of this much valued group, the charity is launching an annual ‘Shed Share’ sponsorship scheme.  For £100, local businesses/ groups/ individuals can sponsor a ‘Shed Share’ for a year.  In return sponsors will receive a Shed Share certificate, as well as having their support recognised in a variety of ways by Age UK BRWF and the Men In Sheds Group.

The Shed Share scheme is being launched at Age UK BRWF’s Church Street Shop (Bromsgrove) on Saturday 24th March at 11am.  Members of Men In Sheds (or ‘Shedders’ as they are known) will be in the shop from 11am-1pm to talk to anyone interested supporting and/ or joining the group.  The group will also be displaying some of their latest products and launching their new ‘Spring Catalogue’

To support the launch of the Shed Share scheme and to raise awareness of the group, Age UK BRWF has linked up with Heart of Worcestershire College.  Kate Hutchings, Work Placement Officer - The Arts, at the College said:

“Heart of Worcestershire College is delighted to be involved in Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest’s Shed Share scheme. Four of our first year Film & TV students: Liam Collett, Ethan Harper, Chelsea Price and Patrick Whinder-Montague, will film and edit two short videos to promote the excellent work of the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds, in Stoke Prior. This initiative has provided our students with valuable, real-life, work experience while at the same time, ensuring the men have the opportunity to tell their local communities about the positive impact that being involved in the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds has had on their lives”

Visitors to the shop on Saturday will have the opportunity to see the first of the student’s videos. The final versions will be made available via Age UK BRWF’s website and Facebook Page.

If you are unable to visit the Church Street Shop on Saturday you can find out more about the Shed Share scheme by contacting Jo Hughes at Age UK BRWF on 01527 868855/ email jo.hughes@ageukbrwf.org.uk.  Jo added:

'Bromsgrove Men In Sheds makes a real difference to those that attend – please help us to continue making that difference’.