Lowestoft Men’s Shed receives funding from East Suffolk councillors to help with venue revamp

A venue which aims to promote men’s mental health is set to undergo a revamp after securing funding.

Lowestoft Men’s Shed, in Strabroke Road, has received a donation of £3,543 from six East Suffolk councillors to help with improvements to its current home, including window replacement and structural repairs.

Members have been steadily refurbishing the century-old building – initially built to dry and mend fishing nets – since forming as a group seven years ago.

The grant was from a collective Enabling Communities Budget.

It was donated by Kirkley and Pakefield ward councillors Peter Byatt, Louise Gooch and Malcolm Pitchers as well as Oulton Broad councillors Edward Back, André Gee and Keith Robinson.

The revamp will make the space more accessible for a wider community use.

Cllr Louise Gooch said: “The shedders have worked wonders refurbishing their home and have established an asset to the community through their work to support men’s wellbeing.

“Their efforts have extended beyond the four walls of the building by offering their skills voluntarily to benefit other local groups and organisations.”

Cllr Edward Back added: “The group has gone from strength to strength since its formation and is continuing to provide a welcoming space for men to pursue practical interests and foster friendships.”

The group, which has grown in membership from 12 to 64, aims to promote men’s mental health – particularly for those who are retired, unemployed or have health problems – through hobbies, skills sharing activities and community-based projects.

Some projects included making tables for the First Light Festival or signs and notice boards for Pakefield Community Group.

Trevor Ayers, Lowestoft Men's Shed treasurer, said the group has helped to form some very strong friendships.

“At the outset, we did not know each other very well, if at all, so essentially, we were all strangers together,” said Trevor.

“We soon started to interact over cups of tea and coffee and working together to build confidence.

“We’ve all become friends and happily talk to each other about our lives, personal circumstances, problems and successes.

“Advice on how to improve one’s lot has been given freely and, when needed, a shoulder to cry on.”

Work to the building’s roof, windows and main hall has already allowed the space to be used for local theatre groups, knitting and canasta clubs as well as the Men’s Shed table tennis team.