SOS Save Our Sheds

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Be Safe Be Well Mens Sheds and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the Mens Sheds Members.

More information about Be Safe Be Well: We operate 5 Mens Sheds for 178 men aged 25-90 in the Causeway Coast and Glens Area. The Mens Sheds have been providing support to men in our area for 11 years. We provide a welcoming, inclusive and very creative space for men to make friends, participate in a huge range of activities which are chosen by the local members and receive vital health and wellbeing information and support. We aim to improve mental health, reduce isolation and loneliness for retired and unemployed men.

Men from all walks of life - those unemployed or retired, and those navigating long term mental health issues, PTSD, autism, mild learning difficulties, physical disabilities, brain injuries, strokes - find solace, support and empowerment in our Men's Sheds projects. 80% of our referrals are made via the Northern & Western Health Trusts- we receive zero funding for these refers. In our Sheds, everyone is ABLE.

Our Motto is 'We Talk Shoulder to Shoulder'. We are a close-knit community of members, supported by 5 dedicated staff members.

Currently, five of our projects across the Causeway Coast and Glens area - Foreglen, Cornfield and Laurel Hill (Coleraine), Portstewart, and Limavady, are under threat. Three of these Sheds are located in areas of high deprivation, serving as a crucial lifeline for those living there. Additionally, our Mens Shed Repair Café and ReCycle projects are also at risk.

We have been continuously funded by the National Lottery Funded for 14 years - £2.2M in total. Our most recent funding application for 3 years core funding was declined

Our current funding ends in September 2024 – this give us only 2 months notice to raise funds to keep the Mens Sheds operating.

The potential closure of these projects is more than just a loss of facilities; it represents a significant setback for men's mental health and community cohesion in Northern Ireland.

*ALL MONEY RAISED WILL BE DIRECTED TO MENS SHEDS RUNNING COSTS AND ACTIVITIES*

Registered Charity: NIC103319

Thank you for your donation, every little or bigger amount will make a difference.