Action Mental Health Men’s Shed, in Fermanagh, has been awarded a £1,000 Tesco Community Grant to cover the costs of new training courses for its members.

The Men’s Shed received the money though Tesco’s Mental Health Grant supported by the supermarket’s community grants, which uses the money raised from the levy on carrier bags to fund projects across the UK that aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in the local community.

Socialise

The Men’s Shed is a place where men from the area can meet up to socialise, maintain good health and well-being, make new friends, learn new skills, and work on projects.

The grant will be used to increase the skills of its members through Willow Weaving and Upholstery classes.

The £1,000 grant will provide much needed funds to the Men’s Shed during the post Covid-19 pandemic and especially with an increasing demand from the community for more training and classes.

Grateful

David Lowe, Project Officer at Men’s Shed Fermanagh, said: “We are extremely grateful for the funding from Tesco that will allow us to offer a new range of classes to our members - helping to improve their self-esteem, fitness and crafting skills.

“The work we have done already has demonstrated an improvement in self-confidence and overall health and wellbeing in men involved with the shed, so we are delighted to be able to offer new classes to members.”

“With these funds, we plan to provide willow weaving and upholstery classes under the guidance of qualified tutors. The willow weaving lessons will allow members to develop skills that can be used in the shed and help to make the shed more sustainable financially and upholstery classes will show men how to renovate and reupholster furniture to its former glory.”

Support networks

“Most importantly, attendance at these classes will add to the support networks and friendship groups the men develop whilst at the Shed.”

Community groups and charities can apply for funding and Tesco customers and colleagues can nominate projects that they would like to see receive a boost. Just ask in store for more information or visit the Tesco Community Grant website, tescocommunitygrants.org.uk.