Shed project ‘turned my life around’
A YEAR ago Gerwyn Davies’ life was spiralling out of control.
He was going through his second divorce, and, having been forced to retire early, his depression was getting worse.
The 64-year-old, originally born in Rhondda, but now living in Llantrisant, turned to gambling after going through his second divorce.
He first married when he was 20 and worked in the steelworks for a few years before working for the Royal Mint.
He said: “I had a normal childhood, my father was a miner and nothing was out of the ordinary. I got married, worked in the steelworks and that was a normal thing for a kid in the Rhondda.
“I got a job in the Royal Mint and worked there for a few years, but I had arthritis in my back and my hands and moved to a management role. In 2002, I was medically retired in my late 40s, and that took its toll on me.
“I never would’ve expected to retire at that age, and it’s when my mental health and depression became really bad.”
He was forced to retire because of pain in his back and Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position.
The father-of-two said he noticed aggressive traits in his behaviour, and wouldn’t acknowledge he was depressed.
His behaviour towards his family suffered, and he began having suicidal thoughts. He said: “Little things would irritate me and I wouldn’t know why. Me and my wife became separated, so going through a divorce was extremely tough.
“I turned to gambling, but when you do that you aren’t even sure why. You look at your bank statement at the end of the week and it’s only then you realise.
“I’m a miner’s son – we’re not supposed to cry, we don’t talk about mental health, it’s just how it always was. When you’re in that state mentally, you’re constantly having negative thoughts.”
Gerwyn was told about a Men’s Shed project in Porth, a social enterprise set up to help men deal with their mental health issues.
He decided to go, but turned up three times and wasn’t able to go inside due to his mental health. However, after finally going, and despite going through a second divorce, he has turned his life around, and is now the chairman of the Shed.
The Shed, which runs mainly woodworking activities, has members who have suffered from strokes, bereavement, mental health issues and more. Gerwyn added: “If it wasn’t for the project, I wouldn’t be alive. It has given me something to look forward to and find people who have gone through similar problems to myself.
“I am able to help others, and that helps me. Currently we operate three mornings a week, but the dream is to expand and open five days a week.
“My message to anyone suffering mental health problems would be to talk to someone, don’t let it drag on, get help.”
The Shed, which is at the Pop Factory in Porth, has benefited from a £499,863 National Lottery grant which helped provide better equipment and machinery.
They have around 15 members, and have recently opened a women’s shed at the same location.
■ For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
If it wasn’t for the project, I wouldn’t be alive. It has given me something to look forward to.