Spotlight On Social Responsibility – The Men’s Shed Project
Here at Artizan, we’re keen to do our bit to support Chertsey and its residents. As a family-run, independent business, we are not only passionate about great craftsmanship but also want to see our area and its people thriving. Many members of our team, including our founder Alex, have lived and worked in and around Chertsey for many years. And, working so closely with so many locals over the years has certainly left us feeling part of the community. That’s why, as well as participating in local events and raising funds through raffles, sponsorships, and donations, we also partner with Chertsey Men’s Shed.
The Men’s Shed Project
Men’s Sheds is a UK-wide charity dedicated to improving men’s mental health, reducing loneliness, and empowering communities. The recently opened Chertsey Men’s Shed is one of 900 sheds across the UK, currently benefiting 13,728 families. It provides a welcoming space for locals to meet, share, and learn practical skills. DIY activities are recognised for their therapeutic benefits, and the camaraderie fostered in Men’s Shed significantly enhances participants’ mental well-being.
Men’s Sheds are about fostering social connections and friendships, sharing skills and knowledge, and, of course, having a lot of laughter. Sheds are shaped by their members (or Shedders, as they’re known). Despite the name, they often aren’t actual sheds. They can be empty offices, portable cabins, warehouses, and garages. Some Sheds are purpose-built workshops, but they rarely start that way. Many don’t have premises initially and instead form groups that meet regularly for social connection, company, and camaraderie until they find a space to equip themselves with tools. Many Sheds also engage in community projects, such as restoring village features, maintaining parks and green spaces, and building items for schools, libraries, and individuals in need.
Why Are They Needed?
Research has long highlighted the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on health and well-being. Recent evidence suggests that they can be as detrimental to health as obesity and heavy smoking. Men, in particular, often find it challenging to build social connections. Unlike women of the same age, fewer older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and worries. While this isn’t true for all men, retirement can lead some to feel a loss of personal identity and purpose.
Men’s Sheds provide a space for meeting like-minded individuals and sharing worries. They focus on fun, skill-sharing, and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. As a result, they reduce isolation and loneliness, help men address mental health challenges more effectively, promote independence, rebuild communities, and, in many cases, save lives.
Supporting Local Charities
As a small business that values creativity and practical skills like building and carpentry, Men’s Shed’s mission immediately resonated with us. We are thrilled to support a local charity focused on mental health and community improvement through activities akin to those in the kitchen and fitted furniture industry. We not only support the charity financial but also donate leftover materials and spare tools. This partnership is a perfect fit, and we look forward to a long and rewarding collaboration.
If you are interested to learn more about our charity work or would like to see what Artizan Interiors has to offer please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected], call us on 01932 640019, or pop into our Chertsey showroom.
