A men’s shed is being set up for Harlow Hill to boost mental health and tackle loneliness in the area.
Men’s sheds are part of a wider organisation of ‘sheds’ that began in Australia. Their goal is to create a space for older men to come together to create and build while making friends. Women are welcome, too.
Sheds have been created over the past couple of years in Harrogate, Ripon and Pateley Bridge.
Harlow Hill’s men’s shed is being set up by local resident John Hart. He told the Stray Ferret he hopes the space will help men become more active whilst sharing how they feel.
He said:
“What has become apparent since covid is with men in particular and mental health issues, we don’t talk much about until we commit suicide.
“We need to do something to try and prevent it.”
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Men’s sheds have traditionally focused on developing practical skills, such as woodwork or toolmaking.
Mr Hart said the Harlow Hill men’s shed could also offer a variety of activities, from art or rambling to computer literacy.
He is the chairman of the Harlow Hill Community Centre, also known as the Green Hut, which will be utilised as the ‘shed’.
However, Mr Hart is also on the lookout for potential workshops, barns or buildings that could be used too.
He encouraged anyone living locally to give the men’s shed a try:
“Tell your dad, uncle or the bloke down the pub, let’s have a go.”
Mr Hart expects the Harlow Hill men’s shed to begin on Tuesday afternoons from later this month. Anyone with questions or who is interested in joining can contact him: [email protected]
