Episode 4: Building community and combating loneliness – Tonge with the Haulgh’s Men’s Shed

Local Trust podcast

In this week's episode we speak to Jeff, Neil, Steve and Danny from Tonge with the Haulgh's Men's Shed project. The initiative connects retired men, offering them opportunities to work on projects, learn new skills and socialise – as well as providing essential social support, addressing loneliness and improving mental health. Despite being called a ‘men’s shed’, the group aims to attract younger members and welcomes women as well – with a women’s only art group offering a safe space for women to socialise. In partnership with their local church, the Men's Shed project has launched additional community initiatives, including a gardening project with a beehive for honey production, an over-50s lunch club, a community café and a learning hub, helping to prevent isolation and giving members a sense of purpose and community. If you would like to visit or start your own local Men’s Shed, please go here: https://menssheds.org.uk/