MENS SHEDS CARDIFF TRUSTEES REPORT 2024
No Trustee received remuneration of any kind and no funds were received from any source.
The Covid period impacted heavily on the group. The loss of access to a rented well-equipped workshop, at a readily manageable cost, put a virtual halt to the Group’s development. Whilst a new workshop facility became available, the associated cost increase proved prohibitive to many of the original group members. The location of the facility was considered by many too distant.
One of the main aims of the group remains that of reducing social isolation and loneliness. To this end, gardening and allotmenteering remain popular. A shared allotment combined with a group seed buying scheme allows for affordable access to a facility that remains well supported. However, the late, wet, cold Spring, impacted on crop yield this year.
A number of activities introduced relatively recently remain popular. Amongst these is one that takes advantage of the excellent Cardiff parkland. Introduced during the Covid period, a “walk and talk” scheme remains popular. Members have access to ‘shoulder to shoulder’ counselling involving a long experienced counsellor. During the past two years, the number of bereaved men wishing to join small group sessions has grown steadily. Once again, the experience of a bereavement counsellor adds to the effectiveness of the groups.
There is general agreement that the group would benefit from an indoor workshop facility at an affordable cost. To this end, we are pursuing involvement in a new school that is intended to develop community involvement.
A number of factors have been identified as a cause of teachers leaving the profession. Assault, perpetrated by pupils, continues to increase. The group has previous experience of helping young people with behavioural difficulties. The new school is being built on the site of an existing school, not yet recognised for its academic excellence. Expanding student access into a confidence building practical facility could well result in a win – win situation. Integrated practice would involve a mix of theory and practice incorporating meaningful applied projects.
Whilst the group has shrunk in numbers, the commitment to improve the range of activities and aim for further development remains an achievable goal.
MENS SHEDS CARDIFF FINANCIAL RETURN FOR 2024
Mens Sheds Cardiff income was NIL Mens Sheds Cardiff expenditure was NIL