On Thursday 2nd March the UK Men’s Sheds Association launched the Charter for wellbeing in Crafts and DIY in the House of Commons.
This means so much to those that run, use and could benefit from this moving forward. The Charter has been created to get people and companies to talk about wellbeing. It encourages people do discuss issues such as mental health and get involved with groups like Men’s Sheds that help so many through simply having a hobby and company.
As many will know cases of anxiety, depression and loneliness skyrocketed through the pandemic but this has been a rising issue for years before and most likely years to come. These diseases do not care what sex, race, or what part of the world you are in. Depression is also known to effect men more seriously due to the way men’s mental health is discussed and perceived.
Unfortunately, there are so many men that become suicidal and feeling as if they have no where to turn due to this. In fact, men are four times more likely to die from suicide than women and it is so saddening that suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 46 in the UK.
The focus of the Charter is to bring people together within the craft sectors allowing the chance to improve wellbeing, build calm, supportive environments and most importantly change lives for the better.
Don’t get it wrong, Men’s Sheds welcome both men and women but at this current time it is so important for men’s health to be promoted and talked about.
The Charted launched at the House of Commons is advocating organisations and companies across this sector to support clients, team members and people of all walks of like to support each other’s and their own wellbeing.
‘It is vitally important that as a sector we tackle wellbeing’ said John Latchford. Chairman of UK Men’s Sheds Association, ‘we want to change the conversation from ‘if only we had heard about Men’s Sheds our friend would still be with us’ to ‘Men’s Sheds saved their lives.
Throughout this process many have ramped up to support within men’s sheds and how they talk about this issue. Some have stood up to say that if they hadn’t been a part of their shed, they would no longer be here. It is hard to really understand the magnitude of this statement if you haven’t been in a situation like this yourself but just think how something that seems so small can be such a huge part of someone’s life. Imagine not knowing where to turn or how to get out of such a dark place. Well these incredible people are working tirelessly to form an alliance in Men’s Sheds to create a support system for all!
Here are some statistics that have been published by ‘Men’s Sheds Association UK’
Men’s Sheds work!
On attending a Shed, Shedders report:
96% felt less lonely;
89% were not as depressed;
75% had decreased anxiety;
97% made more friends
88% felt more connected to the community
How could anyone ever think this is not a great thing! Well done to all involved and find out more by following the links below.
For more information on and support on Men’s Shed insurance:
https://ladbrook.co.uk/charity-insurance/community-group-insurance/men-sheds-groups-insurance/ or call us directly on 01909 565858, one of or dedicated team would love to speak to you.
For more information on your local Shed contact:
For more information on the Charter, Where to Find your Local Men’s Shed and UK Men’s Sheds Association visit www.menssheds.org.uk or email admin@ukmsa.org.uk or telephone 0300 772 9626.
To sign up to the Charter and to find out more about Men’s Sheds visit www.menssheds.org.uk
Men’s Sheds Cymru
Men’s Sheds Cymru support the development and growth of Men’s Sheds in Wales. They provide Health and Wellbeing Support along with expertise and local knowledge in Sheds.
For more information contact – (+44) 01267 225555 www.mensshedscymru.co.uk
Men’s Health Forum
The Men’s Health Forum is a British registered charity whose mission is to improve the health of men and boys in England, Wales and Scotland.
(+44) 0330 097 0654. www.menshealthforum.org.uk/contact
If you are seeking advice we recommend you use the NHS 111 website, or if you would like a listening service we recommend you contact the Samaritans or call 116123.
