Medway Men in Sheds provide a space for men to meet, socialise and learn skills by taking part in activities with other men. It also provides an opportunity to engage men in informal learning, provide health related information and signpost to services.
Improved mental wellbeing is associated with a range of better outcomes including greater educational attainment, increased social integration, strengthened social relationships, reduction in risky health behaviours, improved care of the self and a reduction in the incidence of mental illness and suicide.
Suicide is three times more common in men than women. Unemployed men are two to three times more likely to die by suicide than those who are in work. Reducing the risk of suicide in high-risk groups is a strategic priority for both local and national government.
Facilitating the link of men with community support can reduce hospital admissions and frequent attendance in primary care, improve mental health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Men in Sheds offers the opportunity to engage, support and link men to a range of additional health promoting activity and services.
Activities available five days a week. All groups are held at or near the Sunlight Centre except the Creative group which is held at Nucleus Arts on Chatham High Street:
Monday: Music (10.30am-2.30pm) Gardening (10.30am-1.30pm)
Tuesday: Gardening (10.30am-1.30pm)
Wednesday: Woodwork (10.30am-12.30pm) Gardening (10.30am-1.30pm)
Thursday: Men's Health (4.30pm-7.30pm)
Friday: Woodwork, Engineering, Coding (10.30am-1.30pm)
Male, 18+, not in work or retired, resident in Medway and/or Kent, isolated