Volunteers supporting people experiencing loneliness have been praised by Harriett Baldwin MP.

The West Worcestershire MP has commended the nationwide Men’s Shed initiative and its work in Malvern.

The scheme, often described as an evolution of the traditional workshops seen in personal sheds during the 50s and 60s, provides a regular meeting place where people can learn skills such as woodworking while getting the change to interact with other people.

The town's Men’s Shed, located on Newtown Road, is open to both men and women and is managed by Malvern charity Community Action.

Currently, the shed supports more than 50 people, with visitors from as far as Pershore.

In her recent visit to the facility, Mrs Baldwin spoke to volunteers and users of the service to understand how the national initiative functions.

She said: "Although it is billed as a Men’s Shed, it is very much welcome to all and provides a safe space where people can come and talk to other people while learning a new skill like wood-working, or remembering their old skills."

The MP stated: "The Men’s Shed is very much like the old workshops that you’d see in many people’s sheds in the 50s and 60s but it’s very much focused on helping people to spend time together rather than crafting.

"I am hugely supportive of initiatives such as this and grateful that this has the helping hand of Community Action to keep it running smoothly."

Corinne Phillips of Community Action praised the initiative stating: "It is so rewarding to see how Malvern Men’s Shed is changing people’s lives and how quickly their confidence grows once they start attending."

She invited individuals interested in the initiative to visit or contact Community Action on 01684 892381 for further information.