Chippenham Men's Shed CIO

The aims (objects) of the CIO Are:

To promote social inclusion for the public benefit, the preservation and protection of good health among in particular but not exclusively men in Chippenham and the surrounding area, including those who are retired, unemployed or have health problems, through the provision of facilities for hobbies, recreation or other leisure time occupation including practical interests, skills sharing, the learning of new skills, and helping with community based projects.

What is the men's shed?

The Chippenham Men’s Shed connect retired or unemployed men through activities like woodworking, metalworking and repairing electronics. It’s a place to pursue practical interests, enjoy making and mending, sharing skills and knowledge, it’s about social connections and friendship building and of course a lot of laughter!

We reduce loneliness and isolation

Our ageing population is growing, and so too is the issue of loneliness and isolation among older people. Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Health, recently acknowledged that as a society we have utterly failed to confront this problem, labelling it a national shame.

Why are we needed?

For a long time research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

Join Us?

We are open on Tuesdays!

Be One Of The Shed People!

A place to pursue practical interests.

Practise skills and enjoy making and mending.

Social connections and friendship building.

A place to relax and have a laugh!

We have Internet access!

Come along, have a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit or two or a portion of home-made cake from our Chef Graham!

Our opening times are 13:30 and closing 16:30.

Where?

Birch Grove Pavilion,

Chippenham Rugby Club

Allington Fields, Frogwell, Chippenham SN14 0YZ

Tuesdays between 13:30 - 16:00

11 tips to cope with anxiety about getting "back to normal"

Easing of lockdown has allowed us to get back to the people and things we love, but it's OK if adjusting has brought challenges too.

It's important to be patient with yourself and with your feelings. The coronavirus outbreak has been hard for us all, and we have all experienced the effects differently.
Even positive change can lead to anxiety, and it can take time to readjust to things we have not done for a while.
Feelings of anxiety are likely to pass as we get used to the "new normal" but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health.

There are lots of things that can help you to manage your feelings and make it easier to adjust.
Here are our top tips for taking care of your mental health now that things have changed.

1. Go at your own pace

It might be tempting to make lots of plans and say yes to everything now that things have opened up, but there's no need to rush.
Take it step by step, and only do what is comfortable and safe for you to ease back into socialising – then you can build your time back up as your confidence returns.

2. Do not avoid things entirely

Avoiding the things that make us anxious can sometimes feel like the easier option in the short term, but this can make it harder to start facing your fears in the longer term.

Instead, try to set yourself small but manageable targets. Start with activities that are important to you and feel achievable – like meeting close friends and family for a coffee or snack outside – and gradually build up from there.
It can help to confide in a friend or family member so they can support you to overcome your anxieties.

3. Get your information from the right sources

Lots of conflicting and confusing information about COVID-19 make it harder to know what to do or believe.

If you are finding news and information about the virus overwhelming or worrying, try to limit how much you consume. Stick to trusted sources like GOV.UK and the NHS COVID-19 pages for the most up-to-date information.

4. Discuss changes with others

Before socialising with others, talk about the situation with them to make sure everybody is on the same page about what feels comfortable.

If you live with other people, it's a good idea to talk to them about changes. Being aware of everybody's fears and expectations can help to avoid conflict.

5. Make time to relax

Being able to see more of our friends and family, and visit places, is exciting. But it can also be a lot to take in all at once, so it's important to find regular time for yourself to relax too.

Many people find it helpful to spend time outside. Whether it's gardening or taking a walk in a local park, being in green space can help to lift your mood and relieve stress..

6. Challenge unhelpful thoughts

It's natural to feel worried every now and again, but our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful.

If you can learn to identify and separate unhelpful thoughts from helpful ones, you can find a different way to look at the situation.
Try thinking about what you would say to a friend who was thinking this way. Finally, see if you can change the thought for a more positive one.

7. Tell someone how you feel

It's easy to feel isolated or lonely when we're struggling. However, chances are that someone we know feels exactly how you do too.

Opening up to a person you trust can be really helpful, whether it's a friend or family member, a GP or an organisation's helpline or online forum.
If you are not ready to start socialising but are feeling lonely, there's plenty of support out there, like the Let's Talk Loneliness Campaign, and people you can speak to at any time.

8. Plan social occasions

Uncertainty can be hard to manage but making plans can help you avoid this. Preparing for any challenges ahead of time can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in what you do.

That "plan" can be as simple as knowing what time an event will start and finish, and how many people are likely to be there.

9. Find routine where you can

During lockdown, life changed for us all and we developed new routines. Even if your normal weekday or weekend habits have now changed again, some things can stay the same.

Are there areas in your life where it's easier to stick to a routine? Something as simple as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day or making sure to stick to your set lunch break can make a big difference.
If you are not ready to start socialising but are feeling lonely, there's plenty of support out there.

10. Write down your thoughts

If you feel worried or upset it can be helpful to explore your feelings by keeping a diary or journal.

This can also be a great way to track your mood over time and remind yourself of the progress you have made. As your confidence begins to grow, you can look back over your entries to see how far you have come.

11. Focus on the present

When there is lots of change happening, we can get caught up in worrying about the future and the past.

Instead, try to shift your focus to the present – make plans but try not to dwell on "what ifs" or what was "supposed" to happen. Relaxation or getting outside and enjoying nature are all good ways to help you focus on the present.

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