For many, being in good company is key to being happy. Spending that meaningful time with family or friends to have a laugh and forget any worries, or to talk about them.

But not everyone has that blessing in life. Loneliness can affect anyone and everyone, with a big hit on personal health and wellbeing.

Across the country, Men’s Sheds are providing a safe space to meet new people, learn extra skills, and give back to local communities. They’ve got an inspiring mission to empower people to live happier lives through friendship. I’ve had the pleasure of being invited along to a couple Men’s Sheds to see the amazing impact they’re having in our part of Devon.

Ottery St Mary’s Men’s Shed is a vibrant hub of community activity at the heart of the town on Hind Street, with over 90 male and female members including from as far as Cullompton. They’re a wonderful bunch who have supported some fantastic local projects, including a new bridge for Tipton St John Primary School’s nature garden and owl boxes to protect wildlife.

I also recently popped into Beer Men’s Shed next to St Michael’s Church. It’s brought together like-minded people from nearby towns and villages like Seaton, Branscombe abd Sidmouth to share skills, knowledge, and a lot of laughter. They also do a lot of work to support our beautiful natural environment, including through building dormouse and owl boxes, and repair items for residents which would otherwise be chucked away. 

The UK Men’s Shed Association, the national organisation bringing together Men’s Sheds from across the UK, set up a Parliament Men’s Shed recently to talk about the difference they’re making to people’s lives. They really appreciated the truck load of kit donated to them from great local business Axminster Tools.

The most powerful statistic was that 39% of Men’s Sheds believe they have saved a life.

Please, if you are struggling alone, consider reaching out to one of our local Men’s Sheds in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary, Beer or Axminster. It might just change your life.