News and updates
A few updates from the Groundwork Men’s Sheds Team to give you an insight into our work with Men’s Sheds. If you are curious to find out more, reach out to us at mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk
Northern Ireland’s first Shed Fest – Coming Up
19th November
To mark International Men’s Day Wed 19th Nov, the Belfast Men’s Health Group and Groundwork NI have arranged our inaugural event for Belfast based Men’s Sheds and local men’s health groups.
This will be a great chance for Men’s Sheds to meet other Sheds, share knowledge & expertise that will help other groups develop and sustain themselves. During this mini festival you will discover new activities and sign up to services that will benefit your members.
Groundwork’s work with Men’s Sheds highlighted in Stormont
Paul Frew MLA raised awareness of the vital role of Men’s Sheds in a statement at Stormont on 21st October, also highlighting Groundwork’s support to our network of over 100 Men’s Sheds across NI.
“Men’s Sheds promote social connectivity among its members, attention to physical and mental health, spaces to learn and skill share, and provide environments to combat social isolation and loneliness. They are vital for the men who use them”
Updated Men’s Sheds Map
October 2025
Our map of the Men’s Sheds in Northern Ireland has been updated and you may be surprised to see how many Men’s Sheds there are locally!
We are always on the lookout for new and emerging Sheds, so if you know about a shed that has started near you let us know at mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk
Banbridge Men’s Shed Opening Event
October 2025
Congratulations to Banbridge Men’s Shed for hosting a great opening event. The Shed has an incredible amount of space, wood workshops and the best of equipment. We would encourage new members to join, get access to these facilities and connect to a great bunch of men.
Groundwork NI recently funded the Shed for their certified Workshop training & First Aid training courses, and will proudly support them going into the future.
Blackburn Men’s Shed visit East Belfast Men’s Shed
September 2025
We were proud to support the East Belfast Men’s Shed to host a visit from the Blackburn Men’s Shed. Its fair to say they enjoyed their time in Belfast and their continued relationships with the “Wise Men of the East”.
Thanks again to Henry and to Ilyas for bringing samosas the whole way over from Blackburn. We ate them on the bank of the historic Connswater River and at the Ancient Conn O’Neill Bridge.
Pomeroy Community Shed Open Night
September 2025
It was a full house at Pomeroy Community Shed for their Open Night. Thank you to all at Pomeroy, especially Jane Woods for inviting Groundwork along to speak about the ethos and importance of Community Sheds.
Groundwork will be supporting them with training and activities. If you’re interested contact janewoodspomeroy@gmail.com
Men’s Sheds Mini-Market at Belfast Maritime Festival
September 2025
Thanks to the Belfast Maritime Festival team for inviting us to take part in what is always a brilliant festival and a great day for all.
We had a “Men’s Sheds Mini-Market” with Saintfield Men’s Shed and Hillside Men’s Shed (Kilkeel) showing off their wares and Ballynahinch Men’s Shed delivering brilliant demos of willow weaving.
New Town Together Men’s Shed Open Day
September 2025
Well done to New Town Together Men’s Shed in Newtownhamilton for holding a great open day. Amazing music, food and friends together creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Cliftonville Men’s Shed Visit
August 2025
Our Community and Wellbeing Manager popped along to Cliftonville Men’s Shed for a visit to see the amazing work they are doing.
We arranged some plant swaps for them, had a fair few cups of tea, and offered ongoing development support to the group to help them continue to thrive.
North Belfast Men’s Shed visit Friar’s Bush historical graveyard
July 2025
Our Men’s Sheds team enjoyed accompanying North Belfast Men’s Shed for a fascinating tour of Friar’s Bush graveyard followed by a bite to eat, organised and funded by Groundwork.
Thanks to Alternative Ulstours for an enjoyable experience as always!
NI Wide Men’s Shed Steering Group Meeting
June 2025
We had the pleasure of hosting an online steering group meeting, attended by several Men’s Sheds across NI.
During the session we talked about the challenges and successes Men’s Sheds were experiencing, explore priority areas and discussed ideas for future events.
Horticultural support for Colin Men’s Sheds
May 2025
We have been working with Colin Men’s Shed’s in West Belfast who have now ordered raised beds and horticultural materials, ready for their new growing programme to be delivered by the Groundwork team. An exciting few months ahead!
Men’s Sheds Networking Event
May 2025
We were delighted to attend Men’s Sheds networking event organised by Hillside Men’s Shed (Kilkeel). The event was a great success, creating an opportunity for Men’s Sheds to meet, gain some first aid skills and explore the challenges and successes they have experienced as a shed.
Health and Safety Training
April 2025
Congratulations to Ballynahinch Mens Shed, Portadown Men’s Shed, Portglenone Community Workshop & Mens Shed & Saintfield Men’s Shed for recently completing their Health & Safety Training, funded by Groundwork.
If you are a Men’s Shed email mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list so you can stay informed about future training opportunities
First Aid Training
April 2025
Congratulations to Ballynahinch Men’s Shed, Cloughmills Men’s Shed, Lislea Men’s Shed & Newry Felon’s Men’s Shed for completing their First Aid training, funded by Groundwork.
If you are a Men’s Shed email mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list so you can stay informed about future training opportunities
Fire Safety Training
April 2025
Congratulations to Cloughmills Men’s Shed and Portglenone Community Workshop & Men’s Shed for recently completing their Fire Safety Training, funded by Groundwork.
If you are a Men’s Shed email mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list so you can stay informed about future training opportunities
New and Improved Men’s Sheds Network News
April 2025
We have just released our new improved Men’s Sheds Network News. Going out on a monthly basis, it is filled with updates about events and opportunities that are coming up.
If you are part of a Men’s Shed and would like to receive this newsletter get in touch at mensshed@groundworkni.co.uk