£10,000 boost for Men’s Shed

A local life-enriching community group has just received word that they have been given a further £10,000 of funding so that they can continue making a difference for older men in Omagh.

Omagh Men’s Shed have been awarded the money in order to help them deepen their roots in the community, and to continue bringing colour and energy to the lives of its current and future members.

The money has come from the Ireland Fund’s ‘Heart of the Community Fund’, which is global philanthropic network that provides critical funding to a wide range of community organisations and charities on the island of Ireland.

Recognising the challenges organisations like Omagh Men’s Shed face trying to meet their core costs, the fund provides grants to help local community groups cover their basic expenses.

Speaking on behalf of Omagh Men’s Shed, Christina Kelly thanked the funders and said, “Omagh Men’s Shed is concerned with mental health, relieving loneliness and nurturing friendships, but, at its core, it is about camaraderie among the men.”

Continuing, Christina said, “This grant will enable our members to continue with their community-focused activities and enterprises, for the good of all that have the fortune to come into Omagh Men’s Shed’s orbit.”

Reflecting on why they chose Omagh Men’s Shed as a worthy recipient of a £10,000 grant, the funders said the group provides vital support for ordinary people.

“Omagh Men’s Shed aims to build camaraderie among men through developing their gardening and woodworking skills,” they began, touching on the cornerstone qualities of Omagh Men’s Shed.

“It has recently partnered with a local playgroup to build resources for children at a fraction of the normal cost, making them a group whose good work spills over into the rest of the community.”

This year’s grant round will provide a total of almost £800,000 to 94 organisations across Ireland.