ONE of Ellesmere Port's longest-established projects supporting men of all ages has said they are "pleased" to have found a new home.
The Men’s Shed concept started in Australia around 1999. It then spread to New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Canada and, more recently, Europe and the USA with a total worldwide of around 2000 Sheds in 2020.
The Port Men in Sheds (TPMiS) welcomes members over 18, and aims to bring men together in a "positive, productive environment".
Activities take place in their dedicated workshop, where members can take part in woodwork, creative projects, join the music group or just chat and drink tea.
Although based in Ellesmere Port members are welcome from across the area and currently, The Shed has members who live in Frodsham, Neston, Moreton, Meols, Hawarden, Flint and Chester.
They help men who may be suffering following bereavement, have a physical or mental illness, are isolated, lonely or miss the camaraderie of the workplace.
The new "shed"
Originally based at the Rossmore Industrial Estate, the group has recently been offered the chance to take over the Overpool Community Centre, however, it has been empty for three years.
Trustee, Rob Goulding, spoke to the Globe about the plans for the new "shed".
He said: "Overpool Community Centre has been empty for three years. It has been quite badly vandalised, the roof is leaky and the driveway is overgrown.
"Our deal is we take over management but we have to reach out to other groups, by maybe doing a Kids in Sheds type of idea or Women in Sheds."
The team has undertaken a large project to transform the premises, into a "vibrant and bright" area and they are looking for help from the community.
Rob added: "We’ve got some money but money isn’t everything. If people turn up and clean or do something, or know someone who can lend a van that will help.
"We need the community to support us and rally around us."
"We’ve got lots of ideas because the deal was it’s still got to be a community centre and can’t just be Men in Sheds", Rob explained.
"We won’t be open as a shed for a couple months as this is a working progress.
"Some people from PMiS will be helping with the work, and some will be there to keep morale going.
"We've been supported by Stellantis and The Mitchell Group with transport. We now need men and ladies with skills like plastering to come and help."
To join The Port Men in Sheds it is £20 a month, which means you can visit as many times as you want.
The group is run by six volunteers, and no paid staff.
For more information, visit here.
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