🎙️Introduction to Men`s Shed ethos:

Men`s Shed is not about the Shed. It is more about the individuals who make up each shed.  Our ethos is to create a safe space or Shelter for men to meet up whilst enjoying creating new friendships, Learning new skills & Pass on life experiences Just like being within a Shed or Bothy. (an old  english word used to signify a outdoor shelter used by landsmen or country workers). Sometimes we still refer to our shed as the Bothy. 

🎙️Men`s Shed History:

Originally developed in Australia using government backed funding & resources Men`s Shed ethos has quickly spread across the world currently in the UK There are approximately 1100 sheds. Men`s Shed ethos represents a health through Stealth initiative to good health & wellbeing practice providing an alternative to inactivity caused by Death, Disability, Inactivity, Loneliness, Social exclusion, unemployment etc. through the provision of regular organised Creative, Practical & Social activities Events & Workshops. Helping support men to remain regular & enthusiastic participants within local society rather than existing on the fringes of society. 

🎙️Pontypridd Men`s Shed:

Established in 2022 It is a independent peer to peer support group provides advice & guidance to men of all ages & from all backgrounds.

Pontypridd Men's Shed is a community group in Pontypridd, Wales, that promotes mental health and wellbeing for men of all ages by providing a supportive environment and social therapeutic activities, including woodworking, creative writing, and community projects. The Shed combats loneliness and social isolation by offering a safe space for members to socialise, work on projects, and develop new skills in a friendly atmosphere.

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1. Pontypridd Men`s Shed is designed to alleviate a whole number of conditions caused by either Disability, Divorce, Family, Ill health, Impairment, Loneliness, Loss, Redundancy, Retirement & Trauma etc.

2. Pontypridd Men`s Shed achieves this by providing a health through stealth approach to promoting good Mental Health practice & wellbeing. by offering regular organised Creative, Practical & Social activities.

3. Pontypridd Men`s Shed provides a safe & friendly environment that allows members the chance to participate fully within society.

Pontypridd Men`s Shed is all about Men helping to look after one another. Which is what makes us both unique & special.

Pontypridd Men`s Shed is affiliated to Men`s Shed Cymru & United Kingdom Men`s Shed Association (U.K.M.S.A).

🎙️What We do?

1. Social Activities: They host weekly social meetings, including a Monday meeting open to both men and women and a Wednesday meeting exclusively for men. 

2. Creative & Practical Skills: Members can participate in creative writing and podcasting sessions. 

3. Woodworking Workshop: The Shed has a dedicated woodworking workshop where members engage in traditional shed activities. 

4. Community Projects: 
   The woodworking workshop allows members to undertake community projects and generate a small income to support the Shed. 

5. Information & Advice: The Shed provides information and advice on topics like digital inclusion, finances, and welfare benefits.  

🎙️Who it's for: 
Men of all ages are welcome to join the supportive community. The activities are designed to benefit members who may have experienced life-changing events such as bereavement, retirement, divorce, or redundancy.

1. Improved Mental Health: The Shed provides a positive impact on members' mental health and wellbeing. 

2. Combats Loneliness: Activities are designed to combat loneliness and social isolation.

3. A sense of purpose: Members find a renewed sense of purpose by engaging in meaningful activities and contributing to the community. 

4. Connection and Friendship: The Shed fosters camaraderie and allows men to build friendships with others. 

🎙️Shed of the year:

Recently Pontypridd Men`s Shed was nominated one of the finalists in the U.K.M.S.A Shed of the year awards including afternoon tea in the state rooms of Speaker Lindsey Hoyle MP the Speakers House in the house of Commons. On International Men’s Day Tuesday 19th November 2024 in the Shed partnership of the year category. Highlights the great work done in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council. Including the setting up of Mondays Shed & Breakfast Pop up Cafe, The Creative Writing Group & of course The Old Bridge Studio.

🎙️Social Activities:

Mondays Shed & Breakfast | Wednesdays Main Event | Fridays Shed & Breakfast |