Group keeps in touch despite the lockdown

A GROUP that brings together men and women of all ages for a range of activities is using technology to keep in touch during the lockdown.

Staithes Area Men’s Sheds usually organises a range of activities that involves conversation, craft and mutual support, as well as activities such as wood turning, use of power equipment, novel crafts and outward community engagement.

Due to coronavirus, Staithes Sheds had to close on March 16.

However, members have remained in contact by phone, email and now have the facility to video conference.

They have also made the Sheds’ expertise available to help the community in any safe way they can.

In a recent show of solidarity, one of their members erected a cover at a surgery to protect those collecting prescriptions through a side window. Graham Storer, project co-ordinator said: “The essence of Sheds is not what is made or done.

“It is the comradeship and family feel. That will continue, mainly through our online presence and electronically.”

On how their members can put their skills to good use at home, Mr Storer added: “We encourage our Shedders to keep on doing what they can at home – bird boxes were a recent call on us – and wave to other locked-down souls across the street. Sheds are people.”

Staithes Area Sheds for Men and Women project received £17,920 through the Health Lottery’s Active Communities programme.

John Hume, of People’s Heath Trust, which distributes money through the Health Lottery, said it was important to help support such community groups.