President of Keighley Lions Allan Clark has made the trip to Parliament to represent the UK Men's Sheds Association, speaking to MP's from across the country on the vital work they are doing on men's mental health.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together (many Sheds also have women members too). They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.
‘The Parliament Shed’ was custom-built and is designed to highlight the health, wellbeing and social benefits of community-run Men’s Sheds and the key areas where Sheds make an impact.
Expert partners from partners and shedders such as the Zero Suicide Alliance and the Centre for Ageing Better joined UKMSA and shedders from around the UK to explain the causes and promote the benefits of their work.
With over 1,100 Men’s Sheds across the UK and over 33,000 ‘Shedders’, the UKMSA used its platform to engage with people working in the parliamentary estate and government to raise the profile of the Men’s Sheds movement, and highlight the causes and partners engaged at the event.
Charlie Bethel, chief executive officer said, “Men’s Sheds work because they are a simple concept people can relate to. Whether it is a Shed building bird or mending football boots and bikes to give to disadvantaged children in their communities, you can see a real pride and sense of achievement in everyone who comes through the door of a Shed.’
Robbie Moore MP said:
It was brilliant to see Keighley Lions Club President Allan Clark down in Parliament representing this fantastic initiative and speaking to MP's from right across the UK about the brilliant work done by the Lion's Den Shed in Keighley. Men’s Sheds really are a brilliant initiative and it is always fantastic to see local people helping to put our town on the
