Provost discovers how men are supporting homeless
Provost Lorraine Cameron has rolled her sleeves up to dig in at a Paisley community gardening project for men.
She headed along to the Men’s Shed, in Foxbar, to see the gardeners in action.
Men of all ages meet at Foxbar Youth Centre to build bird houses and bird feeders, plant boxes, tend to community allotments and enjoy guided walks all over Renfrewshire and beyond.
The group uses recycled or donated wood to create a variety of items, which are then used to raise money to cover costs for Shelter Scotland and support its work with homeless people across the country.
Alongside its charitable endeavours, the Men’s Shed also gives community members a place to meet like- minded people in a fun and welcoming social setting.
Provost Cameron said: “I was delighted to visit the Men’s Shed project to meet with the volunteers who make this fantastic project a success.
“The group provides an opportunity for social interaction for men of all ages and it’s great to see the amount of friendships that have been forged through volunteering.
“The different activities that take place give a chance to revisit skills forgotten or even learn new ones, no matter what age the volunteers may be.
“I’d encourage anyone with an interest to get in touch. Go along and become a member – you won’t regret it.”
The Men’s Shed was first set up by Shelter Scotland’s Foundations First Project, funded by the STV Children’s Appeal, and aims to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Across the UK, there are currently 418 Men’s Shed’s in operation, with a further 115 in development, and almost 9,000 members are achieving a sense of purpose through the inspiring projects in their area.
Alison Watson, deputy director of Shelter Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank Provost Cameron for her continued support of the Men’s Shed.
“Our Foundations First service in Paisley is making a huge difference to people who are at risk of homelessness or struggling with poor housing.
“The Men’s Shed is a big part of our work in the town helping people in poverty to set and achieve their own goals and support each other.”
The group meets every Monday and new members are welcome.
Janice MacNamara, volunteer coordinator at Foundations First, added: “It has been a privilege to support an inspiring group of men to develop, grow and achieve so much.
“The difference in their overall wellbeing, their impact in the environment and in the community is admirable.
“The Men’s Shed has so many benefits. It is a social gathering that aims to tackle isolation and loneliness, it is also a place of learning or skill sharing and can have a positive effect on those who become part of it.
“I encourage Renfrewshire men of all ages to give it a try. You have nothing to lose and will be met with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. “
For information on how to join the Men’s Shed in Renfrewshire, phone Janice on 07471 812 774 or drop her a line at jmacnamaravolco@shelter.org.uk
For advice and support, visit scotland.shelter.org.uk