Men's Shed Update
We continue to actively involve Men’s Sheds members in support planning through quarterly Steering Group meetings. These meetings provide a platform for Men’s Sheds to voice their needs and offer feedback on our work.
We recently met with the NI Housing Executive and the Good Relations Officer for South Down to lay the groundwork for a South Down Steering Group. This initiative will provide tailored support to more than a dozen Men’s Sheds in the area.
Meanwhile, over in West Belfast—where Men’s Shed numbers are rising fast—Groundwork NI has been working closely with the West Belfast Partnership Board and Belfast City Council Parks Manager. Together, we’re setting up a dedicated Steering Group to connect local Sheds, ensuring they can support one another while also improving access to green spaces.
We know good governance is essential for a successful Shed. That’s why we continue to provide template constitutions, risk assessments, and policies, helping Sheds adapt them to suit their needs. We’ve also been busy supporting Sheds as they prepare for their AGMs and pointing them toward governance training opportunities.
Over the past few months, we’ve held over a dozen Men’s Shed meetings and met face-to-face with more than 100 members. We’re making sure everyone has access to Men’s Shed handbooks, whether in print or digital format.
Networking has been a big focus too. In November, we brought the newly formed Taughmona Men’s Shed on their first-ever visit—to Harryville Shed in Ballymena! It was a fantastic day, where they got to meet a well-established Shed, share breakfast, and build new friendships.
Keeping our members safe and informed is a top priority.
- We recently delivered Health & Safety training through our partnership with Staff Nurse Training NI.
- Four more Sheds have now received First Aid and AED training.
- Mental health remains a focus, with AwareNI delivering 2-hour Mindfulness and Mood-Matters sessions to two Men’s Sheds.
With all this happening, we are proud to say we are currently supporting over 100 Men’s Sheds!
We’ve been working hard to make Men’s Sheds accessible to even more men, including those from marginalised communities. One exciting development has been the establishment of Duncarin Newcomers Men’s Shed. Working alongside the Ashton Centre in North Belfast, we’ve been supporting a group of asylum seekers and refugees from Africa. Groundwork NI is now developing a horticultural programme to give them a space to learn and grow together, and we’ve also opened up our Meanwhile Gardens as a safe and welcoming meeting place. The group now gathers weekly, and it’s been heartwarming to see new friendships blossom.
The Small Grant Award from the PHA continues to make a difference. We’ve connected with dozens of new Men’s Sheds through the scheme, engaging with all 67 groups that successfully received funding—including some that had never worked with us before!
Thanks to the £200 Small Grant Awards, funded by the PHA, Sheds have been able to cover small day-to-day expenses. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, proving how valuable this type of support is. It’s also helped us reconnect with hard-to-reach and rural groups, starting new conversations and strengthening relationships.
As we move forward, we’re excited to keep building stronger connections, creating new opportunities, and ensuring Men’s Sheds remain a welcoming and supportive space for all!
Here are some of our Men’s Sheds in action!
