New Men’s Shed for Ballyclare – Givan
Date published:
Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA has announced funding of over £9,000 to help establish a Men’s Shed in Ballyclare.
The funding has been awarded to Grange Youth and Community Group, under the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, for the procurement of tools and equipment for the new ‘Men’s Shed’ in the town centre.
A Men's Shed is a larger version of the typical man’s shed in the garden and is a place of leisure where men can come together for social interaction, to work on a project and share and learn new skills, which in turn may improve employment opportunities.
Minister Givan said: “The Men’s Shed concept is a fantastic opportunity for local men to get involved in community based activities. It is a great place which encourages skill-sharing, informal learning and social interaction.
"It can also contribute greatly to the health and well being of individuals through an environment which encourages them to talk with each other and can give a real sense of achievement and value through finished projects.
“I am delighted that my Department has been able to support this project which will bring many benefits to the men in this Neighbourhood Renewal area.”
The welcoming environment also assists men in dealing with their reluctance to discuss health and wellbeing issues, by providing a support network to participants by encouraging them to become involved in a broader range of programmes targeted at addressing their specific needs.
The ‘Men’s Shed’ concept has grown and there are now in excess of 50 ‘Sheds’ located across Northern Ireland.
The Ballyclare Men’s Shed is located at 47 Main Street, Ballyclare and the official opening will take place on Thursday 15 December 2016.
Notes to editors:
- The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
- The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:
Community Renewal - to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas
Economic Renewal - to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy
Social Renewal - to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments
Physical Renewal - to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods. - Follow us on Twitter- @CommunitiesNI
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