That’s why Men’s Sheds are so important – they can make a real difference to people’s lives.” Next Steps Research has shown that loneliness has an effect on the health of older people similar in size to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is associated with poor mental health. Loneliness and Isolation forms a key part of the Ageing Well in Wales programme hosted in my office and I am pleased that the Welsh Government has now recognised loneliness and isolation as a key public health issue, which has a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of older people. I’m sure this new Shed in Cardiff will become a great asset to the local community and assist a large number of local older people who are at risk of becoming lonely or isolated. “I have visited a number of Men’s Sheds across Wales and have seen first-hand the fantastic work they do to help older men make new friends and develop their skills.
Speaking about the project, the Commissioner said Red Watch kindly represented their colleagues Green Watch, who were not on shift for the opening but helped to paint the Shed during some very wet weeks earlier in the year. The opening was attending by the Dusty Shed’s volunteers, supporters, members of the national Men’s Sheds Cymru Association and Red Watch from Ely Fire Station. Special thanks were given to Willmott Dixon for donating time and materials to refurbish the building, Travis Perkins for donating wood that has since been turned into work benches, and Data Power Tools for a large donation of tools. Dave King, Chair of the Dusty Shed, used the occasion to thank all the people who have supported The Dusty Shed on its 3 year journey from idea to opening. The Dusty Shed, a wood workshop based in the old betting shop on the grounds of the Dusty Forge, was gifted to the Dusty Shed charity by Action in Caerau and Ely. Sarah Rochira, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, officially opened The Dusty Shed, a Men in Sheds project in Ely, on Thursday 17 November 2017 by sawing through a piece of wood in place of the traditional ribbon cutting. It is also hoped that the shed would provide support and assistance to those less able within it's community for example by undertaking simple repairs. For society it looks to reduce health issues both physical and mental in older men, eventually provide training for younger and older people, and work on a principle of re-use, repair and recycle thus being as green and sustainable as possible. Over time it's hoped the shed would offer training to a wider age range as it becomes established so more practical skills can be passed on and give younger people the chance to try different things such as wood turning, blacksmithing and metal work.īenefits for individuals are: tackling/preventing depression, to be an alternative to the pub, to be a gateway to other groups/opportunities and be able to make a positive contribution.
It aims to tackle social exclusion - a recognised issue for recently retired/widowed men, to be somewhere for advice, support and companionship, and offer something practical and worthwhile for them to do. To have somewhere where predominantly older/retired men can go to utilise existing skills in woodworking and metalwork and to learn new skills and share their knowledge.
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