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  1. ITV Report

Men's Shed opens its doors in Guernsey

Men are encouraged to talk about their mental health and well-being Credit: ITV Channel TV

A new space has opened in Guernsey to support men’s health.

The Men's Shed is part of a global initiative that provides spaces for men to chat and work on projects together.

Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG) partnered with Men's Shed to try to get men actively talking about health issues they are concerned about.

Volunteers spent three years working hard to regenerate an old packing shed near Guernsey Airport to create the space.

Men's Shed opened to the public on 15 November 2019 Credit: ITV Channel TV

It is hoped the shed will encourage conversation between men about their health and well-being as well as allowing them to develop new skills.

On-site, activities are available like woodwork, metalwork, electronics, repairing and restoration work.

Although there’s a workshop here, you don’t have to do anything practical. If you just want to come up, have a chat, talk about your holiday, talk about what makes you happy, you can talk about what doesn’t make you happy, just talk about anything.

– Neil Wilkie, Men’s Shed member

The aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation, giving those who visit the chance to chat, pick up a hobby and let off some steam.

The ethos behind the scheme is to give men on the island a safe space to talk in non-pressurized environment.

Put them shoulder to shoulder, working on something, and through relationship, people share. And it’s normal and it’s natural.

– Marcel Lenormand, Men’s Shed Manager