Nine projects that provide community spaces where people from all backgrounds can meet, chat and take part in activities to help reduce loneliness and isolation have shared more than £30,000 in funding from Swansea Council.
The grants have been provided to new and existing groups to support an expansion of Men’s Sheds in the city.
The Action Shack which meets in the grounds of St John’s Day Centre in Manselton on Thursday mornings is now entering its third summer and will use its grant to further develop a community garden, add more seating and making raised planting areas.
Gary Elward said: “Now we can meet up again after the lockdown we are starting to use our planting areas to grow vegetables which will be distributed from the foodbank that opened in the day centre during the pandemic, so the grant will be put to great use for the whole community.
“All our members are really glad to be back after the lockdown and really value the opportunity to meet up, socialise and if they want, put their skills to use.
“If anyone in the area would like to come along to see if it is something that would interest them they can pop in any Thursday morning and will be made very welcome.”
Summit Good in Llansamlet plans to buy a storage container, wood burner, tools and create a solar energy supply allowing users of the Men’s Shed to access it in all weathers.
The Old Blacksmith’s in Clydach will repair their container which has a kitchen, toilet and quiet area as well as purchase additional equipment.
Swansea Community Workshop will use its grant to buy tools including a table saw and drum sander plus put money towards heating for winter so users can take part in craft activities including woodwork all year around.
Oguf Adullum will buy a shipping container and connect to electric and water supplies to create a Men’s Shed in Penlan supporting with social and practical skills.
Dyfatty Bowls has also had funding to launch a men’s shed.
Other successful applicants were Chop Wood Carry Water, The Swansea Wellbeing Centre and LGBT Cymru who are developing a Men’s Shed.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, Cllr Alyson Pugh, said: “Men’s Sheds have a very positive impact on health, well-being and in reducing social isolation by drawing on the wealth of skills and experience that exists within our communities.
“This is the second year that the council has been able to provide substantial direct support via our Tackling Poverty team to these fantastic projects and we will be providing further support during the next 12 months.
“I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of these groups in Swansea to see the life-changing impact they can have on those involved.”
