Men's Shed group celebrate securing site in Totton to build log cabin base
A GROUP aiming to combat loneliness among local residents in Totton has secured a site in the town centre to build a new base.
Members of the Men’s Shed group are now fundraising to install a log cabin behind the community centre off Salisbury Road to host activities such as wood and metal-working, repairing and restoring, electronics, and model building.
The project follows the opening of the New Forest’s first Men’s Shed in Fawley, as reported in the A&T.
The initiatives are part of a national movement trying to support people, in particular older men, with loneliness and mental health issues.
Chris Compton (pictured fifth left) is chair of the Totton Area Men's Shed Project. He said: “Men’s Sheds typically attract older men, but we also hope to attract younger men and women too.
“Whatever the activity, the essence of our shed will not just be the building, but the connections and relationships between its members.
“Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about sharing skills and knowledge and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and be-longing.
“As a by-product of all of that, they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and may save men’s lives.”
The project is being led by the Totton and Eling Community Association, and has support from Hampshire County Council, Totton and Eling Town Council, businesses and residents.
The town council is preparing the land by demolishing old buildings and re-routing water, electricity and sewage.
Mr Compton said the Totton Men’s Shed would work with HCC’s Step by Step programme aimed at identifying opportunities to work with local community-based groups to tackle loneliness and improve social connections.
The next fundraising event is a Christmas Fayre at Totton and Eling Community Centre tomorrow (Saturday) from 11am-2pm.
For more information see www.compark.co.uk/tottonmensshed/ or contact Chris Compton on Chris@compark.co.uk or 023 8087 3143.
