A diverse group of 46 men from 11 different Men’s Sheds in Newry, Mourne and Down recently enjoyed a two-day residential trip to Drogheda.
The ‘Shedders’ visited Cooley Men’s Shed and Drogheda Men’s Shed to make new contacts, exchange ideas and learn from other successful Sheds. Along the way, the Shedders engaged in a cultural visit to the Battle of the Boyne centre and took part in a good relations workshop. The trip also featured information-sharing on best practice topics including volunteer management, governance and financial management.
The trip was part of a wider project being delivered by County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN), funded by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This project aims to improve the capacity of Men’s Sheds by bringing them together from across the district to develop friendship, create networking opportunities, share best practice and learn from each other.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “Men’s Sheds are a great space to bring men together to share their skills, exchange ideas and to build friendships. The trip provided existing members with an opportunity to get out of their everyday environment and avail of capacity building training and best practice advice. It also offered others not yet involved with Men’s Shed, support in setting up their own group or joining an existing group”.
If you are a member of an existing Men’s Shed, or are thinking of setting one up in your area, contact info@countydownrcn.com or phone 028 4461 2311, quoting ‘Men’s Shed Programme’. CDRCN can provide free information, advice and support for your Shed, and offer places on upcoming residential trips away.
Match funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office of Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.
