College helps shed tool up
DONATED ITEMS ADD TO ACTIVITIES FOR WELLBEING PROJECT AIMED AT MEN
MEN love their sheds – and Kirklees College is helping a shed-based project which helps tackle loneliness and isolation.
Denby Dale District Men’s Shed brings together men with a shared interest in woodwork.
And when bosses at the college heard the project needed more equipment they were only too happy to help.
Denby Dale District Men’s Shed was set up when founder Robert Barber retired and, through a love of woodworking, wanted to meet with like-minded people and share his interests with a new group of friends.
It was out of this that the Denby Dale District Men’s Shed was born.
And now Kirklees College has stepped in to donate items including a jewellery work bench from the former Batley School of Art and Design building, enabling the group to enhance the activities they are able to carry out.
Robert, now chairman of the management committee and a trustee, said: “The jewellery bench has been central to the establishment of our jewellery workshop and this in turn will enable us to provide courses, which we know will be very popular.
“The other tools, equipment and benches have been a great addition to the equipment we already have and will allow us to continue to develop the range of activities we can carry out.
“We couldn’t continue to operate without the generosity of our donors and really appreciate all the help the college has provided.”
Denby Dale District Men’s Shed has been involved in numerous projects including creating community planters, notice boards and an owl nesting box for a local nature reserve.
Andy Ryland, men’s shed devel- opment officer with Community First Yorkshire, said: “Men, in particular, are renowned for keeping things to themselves, especially when it comes to concerns about their health.
“If they are doing something, talking, side by side, it gives an opportunity for them to talk about anything which is bothering them.
“Denby Dale Men’s Shed is a fun place to get together, do practical tasks together, and gives you enjoyment ; sharing skills and learning new skills is all empowering.”
The Denby Dale District Men’s Shed is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm.