MSP Brian Whittle paid a visit to Girvan’s Men’s Shed group to hear about their plans for a shed in the grounds of the town’s Townhouse, where the group currently meets.
Since the first one was set up in 2013, Men’s Sheds have flourished across Scotland. The sheds give men somewhere to meet and take part in a range of shared activities. The groups have found many different ways to use the sheds including woodwork, art, gardening and even car restoration. While the Girvan group are still keeping their options open, being based in the grounds of the Townhouse opens up a number of opportunities.
The sheds have been shown to make a big difference to the health and well-being of the men who use them; tackling social isolation and giving them a sense of purpose while learning new skills and doing the kind of things they enjoy doing.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’m a great fan of men’s sheds in general as a fantastic way of tackling loneliness and inactivity, particularly among older men. All the research shows that feeling included and being active has a huge impact on your mental health and men’s sheds are giving more men that sense of inclusion and getting them involved in a shared activity.
It was great to meet the guys from the Girvan Men’s Shed and find out how their plans for a shed of their own have developed. They’ve got some great plans for the future and I’m looking forward to visiting them again when they’ve got their shed built.”
Alistair Wallace, the Secretary of the Girvan Men’s Shed said:
“It’s great that Mr Whittle took the time to visit us. In the next 12 months we hope to be a fixture here in Girvan, so watch this space.”
Photo – Brian Whittle MSP with members of Girvan Men’s Shed