Kinlochleven Men’s Shed is thankful!

Tony Walters

Lochaber Life’s December edition outlined the story of a struggling Lochaber charity desperate for funding to complete the start-up of its Men’s Shed. As a result of that article, potential funders have come forward to help them.

Tony Walters, secretary of the Kinlochleven Men’s Shed, has come back to the Community Connections column to update us on progress and convey their thanks.

“We are so grateful to Lochaber Life for making our plight known amongst the community and for the amazing response of partners that will now enable us to turn a dream into reality. A £1,000 Supporting Good Connections Grant from Age Scotland has enabled us to install the safety equipment vital to opening our doors to new members. In addition, the Scottish Men’s Shed Association and the Kinlochleven Community Benefits Scheme were also able to support us in getting the project off the ground.”

Jo Cowan, community development officer Age Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Kinlochleven Men’s Shed in this way and at this crucial stage of development. Age Scotland continues to champion the benefits of men’s sheds, and it’s a real joy to see their progress.”

Tony explains the importance of having their own space: “Having our own building enables us to meet regularly and undertake personal and community projects. Three years in the making, we now have a men’s shed based at the end of Riverside Road, here in Kinlochleven. We are formally open from 10am every Tuesday and Thursday but you may find guys working at the shed on other days of the week.

“Currently we are reshaping the building and are ready to widen activities to meet the needs of the men in our community. So, if you have a project that you want to complete, or just want a blether and a brew, then come along and explore what the men’s shed is all about. Men’s sheds are not just about building bird boxes and garden seats: in addition to workshops on simple cooking, awareness of men’s health issues and a repair café, we are planning days out to interesting places and involvement with other men’s activity in the area.”

You are guaranteed a warm welcome.

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