ORGANISERS of a community initiative which launched last year only to be cruelly curtailed by the Covid pandemic are thrilled to say that it’s ready to throw open its doors again next month.

Set up by Community Action, the Malvern Men’s Shed is a place for men to connect, converse and create with woodwork.

It’s aimed at helping to reduce isolation and loneliness, but also for fun to be had.

The Shed in Link Top will start up again week commencing Monday, September 6.

At the time of its launch last year, Corinne Phillips from Community Action, said: “We are really excited to have been able to set up the Men’s Shed project in Malvern.

“We are confident that it will fulfil a real need amongst the local community.”

There is also a Shed in Worcester, and Age UK Worcester and Malvern Hills and chief executive Clare Thomas told writer Mike Pryce a little of the background to Sheds: “Men’s Sheds originated in Australia in the 1990s.

“There was a realisation that as men are not as adept as women at sharing their worries and fears, there was very little support for those who suffered loneliness due to loss of a partner, health problems, retirement or sudden unemployment.

“These can all too easily lead to depression or worse, into mental health issues.

“Men’s Sheds came about to provide a place where men could meet others in similar circumstance, make new friends while getting involved in projects for the community. It’s in this atmosphere that men are far more likely to share their issues to their mutual benefit.”

UK Men’s Sheds Association is a registered charity which supports ‘Men’s Sheds’ across the UK.

They work hard to inspire and develop as many Men’s sheds as possible, the aim being to benefit men’s health and wellbeing.

This includes reducing isolation and loneliness faced by empowering local communities.

Malvern Men’s Shed can be found at 4 Newtown Road, Link Top, Malvern. WR14 1NZ.

To book a place or for more details, call 01684 892381, email info@communityaction.org.uk or go to www.communityaction.org.uk