Are You A Shedder?….
The Portlethen and District Men’s Shed is a new Scottish charity created to promote general wellbeing, continued life-long and life-wide learning and healthy lifestyles for retired men and men ‘with time on their hands’ who are looking to use this time constructively and enjoyably. They plan to do this by setting up a location or “Shed” where the men can go to engage in creative, enjoyable activities and meet and chat with other men. Various local government, NHS health, and volunteer groups in the community have identified a strong need for something like this. The Men’s Shed model has proven successful in Australia where there are over 1,000 in existence, New Zealand, Ireland, England and now Scotland. The first shed set up in Westhill, Aberdeenshire in 2013 has had over five thousand visits in a 18 month period with some of those men coming from Portlethen.
Portlethen like many villages in Aberdeenshire has an ageing and growing community of men who came with their families in the 70s and 80s to work in the oil industry. Many of these men migrated to the area and lack a local family network. Various interest groups share a common concern over the absence of activities for older men and the resulting deterioration in their health and wellbeing. A lack of social interaction results in some men becoming withdrawn and isolated from their community.
The Portlethen and District Men’s Shed is the place where men will be able to share skills, actively pursue hobbies, work on community projects and have a place to go and relax knowing they are among friends. The benefit for the men will be improved self-esteem, a chance to learn new skills and practice old ones, overcome isolation, improved social interaction and enjoy an active healthy retirement.
A Board of active, local volunteers has managed the development of the charity and is in the process of leasing a vacant council property. A three year financial plan has been drawn up with costing for an annual budget and capital requirements. There is widespread support in the community and funds have been received from community charitable groups, local businesses and local government sources.
They need to raise £30,000 to refurbish the premises for the Shed and are approaching organisations & businesses for funding & sponsorship. They hold regular fortnightly meetings and will be holding their AGM on the 5TH May 2015 @ 2.00pm in the Community Learning Centre, Portlethen Academy.
So if you want to donate, attend meetings, have ideas for the Shed’s development or simply would like more information
Contact:- George Pringle (Secretary) Telephone: 07518594538
E mail: gdppms@yahoo.co.uk
www.portlethenmensshed.co.uk
www.westhillmensshed.co.uk
Westhill Mens Shed produced a useful video to get support for starting a Shed see http://youtube.com/watch?v=U6co7KAY90c
K&M Communities 