Into the shed and out of their shell

Men’s Sheds have given a new vibrancy and sense of purpose to many who were stuck in an emotional and physical rut. It is a dedicated, safe and welcoming place where men come together and undertake a variety of activities and is open to all men, regardless of age or ability. There they share their skills and knowledge with others.

The Coalisland and Loughshore Men’s Shed was started in October 2020, however facilitator Stephen McClearly believes there are many potential participants yet to come forward.

As overseer to a similar group in Armagh which has over 40 members, he has observed that many men need encouragement from family members and friends to get involved.

Stephen, who resides in Clonoe explained, “Men don’t seem to have the confidence to just walk in and sometimes they need a bit of encouragement and a push. In the Armagh group we had one man came to take photographs and he became a very active member. Another man must have walked up and down past the premises about ten times before he pushed the door open! There seems to be a shyness among some men. Once they come in, they get a great welcome and the Men’s Shed really enhances their lives.”

The Coalisland and Loughshore Men’s Shed is located on the Annagher Road thanks to DMC Engineering boss Declan McShane who supplied the site and invested in the project. Research has shown men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, less older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. Men’s Sheds were initiated to change all that.

Stephen emphasised that women are also welcome to join.

He explained, “They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and plenty of good craic. Whatever the activity, the essence of a Shed is the connections and relationships between its members. If you are unemployed, retired or simply at a loose end, then Coalisland and Loughshore Men Shed is the place to be!

“We have a new shed and polytunnel and essentially a blank canvas on which to create activities. We are open to men of all ages and the emphasis is on getting involved in lighthearted activities in the company of other men. We have a massive polytunnel where members can create their own raised bed vegetables and a large state-of-the-art steel shed waiting to be filled with ideas. Most men like working with their hands so the emphasis will be on building a tool shed for craft making and another section for leisure activities such as darts/pool and of course the kettle.

“We recently took part in the Christmas Craft Fair run by Coalisland Fianna GAA club which is a hugely popular annual event. It was an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the public and sell some of the crafts made by the men. They included Christmas trees made from pallets, Christmas logs, cheese boards and holly wreaths. Making those items was a great venture and a lot of fun. We sold quite a few items which will go back into our funds to buy equipment.”

The local Men’s Shed is also running a cookery course facilitated by Siobhan from ‘Freshly Baked’ on Main Street. It places great emphasis on health issues.

“We are currently doing a project titled ‘Meenagh Park in Bloom’ that entails supplying flower planter boxers for residents to decorate and it will brighten up a derelict area near the football field.

“As well as mental health we want to help men look after their physical health. We have had talks on health awareness and dementia awareness. At the courses you could have heard a pin drop such was the interest. Often men are not inclined to go and look about these issues.

“There was also a talk on cancer and the importance of checks and returning samples as directed by local doctors. The men responded very positively to the health advice.

“We will be having history walks in the area with local historians. Coalisland and this area has a very rich history so it will be good for our members’ health as well as being very interesting to visit local landmarks and sites.”

Seamus Rafferty’s wife read about the local Men’s Shed in the parish bulletin and coaxed him into joining. He is very glad he did!

“I have been going for four months and was involved in making items for the Christmas craft fair as well as the cooking lessons. It has been great,” said Seamus.

“Prior to this I was in a rut sitting at home staring at the TV but at times I hardly even noticed what was on. It has helped me a lot to get back out and involved with people. I would recommend it to anyone to come along and you will get a great welcome. I certainly did. It has had a really positive impact on my life, both physically and mentally and I would be lost without it.

“It was a long day sitting about doing nothing and now I am really enthusiastic for life again.”

Coalisland and Loughshore Men Shed is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-30am.

For further information, contact Stephen on 077 6381 8393.