'Men in Sheds' scheme relaunched at Braywick Heath Nurseries

The relaunched ‘Men in Sheds’ scheme opened on Saturday at Braywick Heath Nurseries after being closed for the winter.

The scheme aims to tackle loneliness and rising suicide rates in men and offers them a place to socialise and find a new interest.

The site offers a polytunnel for men to pursue horticulture or make use of the space for any interests they wish such as restoration projects.

Cllr David Coppinger, Royal Borough cabinet member for adult services and health, re-opened the site on Saturday followed by live demonstrations.

Dr Chris Allen, who founded the group, said: “The scheme worked really well but in the winter, the polytunnel got too cold so we had to stop. We had a successful first year planting 200-plus trees and making birdboxes, with two men who attended returning to work. The relaunch was great, lots of people came down and we did some demonstrations.”

Email chris.allen@berkshire.nhs.uk to find out more.