We are a community space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for men to enjoy together. We help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, we have fun!

Chippenham Men's is a safe community space for men to connect, converse and create. Our activities are often similar to those of a garden shed, but for groups of men to enjoy together and have fun. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men's Sheds are the opposite.

Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and in many cases, they save men’s lives.

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 can change all of that.

There are many Men’s Sheds in the UK with female members, but most Men’s Sheds exist for the benefits they bring to men’s health and wellbeing. Therefore, it’s really down to each individual Shed whether they invite women, or have separate days for women to join in. One of the best things about Men’s Sheds is they facilitate conversation about subjects that men might usually find difficult to talk about. Some men find it easier to open up when it’s just men, but that’s not always the case.

No, but most of the men that attend are retired. This is because a life after employment can be difficult and men often feel that they’ve lost their sense of purpose and place in the world. They can miss the routine and camaraderie between colleagues that often comes with working life. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation which can be dangerous for their health and wellbeing. However, recognising that age isn’t the only factor in loneliness and isolation, and that there is more to Men’s Sheds, for example sharing skills, informal learning and enjoyment, some Sheds have younger members.