£10,000 boost for Halesworth Men’s Shed
Halesworth Men's Shed and Halesworth Volunteer Centre has been awarded £10,000 from Suffolk Community Foundation. PHOTO: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
This week marks the one year anniversary of the Men’s Shed base opening in Halesworth, and the occasion was made extra special with a £10,000 boost.
The money was awarded to Halesworth Men’s Shed and Halesworth Volunteer Centre, which supports the shed project, for outstanding outcomes through collaborative and partnership working.
The Working Together Award came from the Suffolk Community Foundation, funded by Suffolk County Council, and will go towards the running costs of the Men’s Shed.
The group launched at the site behind Chinny’s Bar and Grill in the town last September as a place for men looking for companionship.
Chairman Alan Richardson said: “It allows people who don’t normally get out from behind their televisions to come down and do pretty much what they like, mostly in woodwork but some people just come for a cup of tea and a chat.
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“People can work on individual projects or community projects, like the planters we made for the community outside the library.
“There’s lots of banter, we have a good laugh, but we get stuff done.
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“It’s been a bigger success than any of us could ever have dreamt.”
The group has 43 members and although it is for mainly retired men, it also attracts younger people looking to build their confidence and some women. All of the equipment has either been donated, paid for my local businesses or groups or bought with members’ money or grants.
Volunteer centre chairman Karen Austin said: “It’s a huge thing to be awarded the money. The volunteer centre underwrites all the costs of the Men’s Shed and getting money towards running costs is not an easy thing. The funding will give us the opportunity to help other projects.”
The cheque was presented to Mr Richardson and Miss Austin by Jane Storey, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for localities.
