MEN’S SHED CARDIFF TRUSTEE REPORT 2023
The group lost access to rented space in a well-equipped workshop during the Covid lockdown. The loss effectively halted the development of the group as many hitherto committed members called it a day.
The search for a workshop that would have provided scope for developing activities in addition to those carried out in the workshop has been ongoing. However, recognising the limitations imposed by being a relatively small group, it was decided to become part of a much larger group, whose main focus was on developing and improving the existing facilities of a successful local football team. The team caters for male and female players of the complete playing age range. It was with confidence that the football group, with a much needed update of facilities, would grow some 40% from the existing 300 members.
The updated facilities would have provided for a team of older men and entry into the walking football league. Additionally, the new development would have provided space for a facility, free of access restrictions, where MSC could realise the potential for providing much needed activities that would be of benefit to the community. The increased numbers we feel, would have added opportunities for involvement in the community, for those hitherto involved with the football club. The application for the establishment of the project is ongoing.
The Men’s Shed movement reflected a steady increase in providing older people, mainly men, with worthwhile activities and group involvement that is known to benefit health and wellbeing.
Many of the Sheds in Cardiff did not survive the Covid shutdown, whereas it was possible for our group to continue with outdoor activities, centred around allotmenteering. During this period, many new faces became involved with the group but the end of the growing season, and the onset of cold weather, curtailed most activities.
A number of the original group have continued at a new venue, a well-equipped school workshop. However, for many the location and cost have been inhibiting factors.
A number of previous members have established a new Shed group in one of the more affluent parts of the city and the fact they now have a “waiting list” indicates that there is still a future for the Men’s Shed movement. Our efforts to establish a Shed in one of the less affluent parts of Cardiff have been ongoing. It is becoming apparent that the need for such a facility with the associated activities and involvement it provides, aimed at benefitting men’s health and well-being, whilst providing support for the community, is even greater now than before the lockdown.
The foregoing provides an overview of developments over the past year. The loss of access to a workshop, post Covid, has limited the scope of Men’s Shed in carrying out our charity’s purposes for the public benefit. We remain optimistic but once the new base can be established, Men’s Shed will become more effective in carrying out its activities and achieving its objectives.