Whitworth Men’s Shed is a community group for men. It is a social space where men can come and get involved in practical and community activities, or just have a chat over a brew!
On 21st September 2018, we opened the doors for the first time. Since then we have set up a number of groups and projects, installed broadband, and developed our workshop space so that we can continue to offer more activities throughout the year. We now also have installed a storage container next to the Shed building to give us more space to welcome people!
The need for a Men’s Sheds project in Whitworth was identified after a series of consultation events held in 2017 by Rossendale Borough Council’s Living Well Living Better project, which aimed to find ways of tackling loneliness and social isolation in the Whitworth area.
Based on 2011 Census data, Whitworth was identified by Age UK as a loneliness and social isolation ‘High Risk’ hot spot. The area has also been identified by LCC in their ‘Hidden from View’ report as an area of concern for the same reason. This report suggested over 135 households were at risk, mainly older people. Whitworth has a much higher than average number of older people living in social and sheltered accommodation than elsewhere in Rossendale.
Whitworth Men’s Shed is now a member of Safer Rossendale. Safer Rossendale offers a safe space for anyone who might feel threatened or vulnerable. If necessary, you can pop in, call home or call for support. For more details, visit #SaferRossendale
Whitworth Men’s Shed is a member of the UK Men’s Sheds Association. If you want to know more about Whitworth Mens Shed please contact us.