East Suffolk Council
New Men’s Shed set up in Carlton Colville
A new Men’s Shed has been set up in Carlton Colville thanks to funding from two East Suffolk councillors.
Carlton Colville ward councillors, Myles Scrancher and Letitia Smith provided £2,402 in funding from their Enabling Communities Budgets (ECBs) to establish the new group, pay for materials and tools, and cover its costs for the first six months.
Equipped with materials and tools to help members to carry out a variety projects, the Men’s Shed importantly brings men together to develop social connections, reduce social isolation, share knowledge and most importantly to have fun.
At its first meeting on 25 September, 35 men signed up to be part of the Carlton Colville Men’s Shed which will meet twice a month at the 2nd Carlton Colville Scout Group.
Councillor Myles Scrancher, ward councillor for Carlton Colville, said: “I am so pleased to have been a part of setting this group up and being able to provide funding for this fantastic initiative. In modern times where there aren’t many places for men to go, Men’s Sheds have a massive part to play in personal wellbeing, improving mental health and the prevention of loneliness.”
The funding from East Suffolk Council will also support the Rural Coffee Caravan to attend the group to provide members with refreshments as well as give people access to services and information to improve their lives, health, and wellbeing.
Councillor Letitia Smith, ward councillor for Carlton Colville, added: “We are delighted to see so many local people supporting the Men’s Shed Carlton Colville. We hope the members will soon be able to develop projects and offer their skills to help in the local community, gardening, repairing, painting and helping residents with jobs or projects. Maybe the Men’s Shed can offer the manpower, with local community making donations and paying for materials? In any event, what a great way to meet up, take part and make new friends in your local community.”
Councillor Scrancher added: “I had the opportunity to chat to some of the gents, and it was brilliant to hear the stories and their skills and backgrounds, you could tell everyone was happy to be out and chatting. I have no doubt that Carlton Colville Men’s Shed will be a great success and benefit to the whole community. This is what our enabling community budgets are all about. Thanks to 2nd Carlton Colville Scouts for allowing the group to use the scout’s hut as an initial venue – this is a fantastic collaboration in the making.”
The Carlton Colville Men’s Shed will run from the 2nd Carlton Colville Scouts Group at the Old Church Hall on Lowestoft Road every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 2pm – 4.30pm, with anyone over 18 welcome to attend.