Homeless Torbay Men's (and Women's) Sheds appeal for new 'shed'

Having run for over 12 years, the Men’s Sheds Torbay group is at risk of permanent closure after they lost the use of their Brixham premises.

The group was the sixth to be founded in the world in a phenomenon that now has over 600 groups. The group met every week to twice a week to upcycle, repair , chat and make things in a friendly atmosphere.

However, the last time Men’s Sheds could meet was December last year, after they were told the room they met in above Yes! Brixham was no longer available.

“All the shops in Brixham’s main street have had problems with fire exits,” explained Gary Payne, the chairman of Men’s Sheds.

“It was brought to the fire authority’s attention and when they saw it they instantly put a restriction order on it.”

An estimate to put in a new fire exit put the cost in excess of £10,000.

“We’ve been looking for other premises ever since. Getting a place isn't the problem, but it's the rent they charge. We can't afford to pay rent.”

The arrangement that Men’s Sheds has had in the past has been to work in a charity shop in exchange for fixing the stock that comes through the door.

Gary said: “Some of the stuff that comes through the charity shop is beautiful, but without fixing, it would all go to the skip. We recycle it, polish it up, touch it up, paint it, and then it goes back into the shop.”

It’s not just things for the charity shop that Men’s Sheds contribute, however. When the group was up and running it would fix and donate 15 to 20 sewing machines to Africa each year.

The group isn’t just positive for charity, the members also receive an extraordinary mental health benefit as well.

Gary said: “It’s a place where anyone can come, learn new skills and be accepted. One man with dementia came as he wanted to keep working with his hands and mix with other people. And it’s not just men. We have ladies who come as well.”

The group has now been unable to meet for six months. They need a ground floor room, ideally in a charity shop where they can meet and keep their nuts and bolts. In return they can upcycle and repair anything that comes through the door.

“I really hope we can find something,” added Gary.

“Over the years we’ve really come to love the group. It would be a real shame to see it end.”

If you know of suitable premises for Men’s Sheds, contact Gary on 01803 883794.