Fond Farewell Paid To Newport’s Men In Sheds

Age UK Isle of Wight (AUKIW) has announced the departure of its beloved Men In Sheds group as the charity complete their move to a new location.

While the transition marks the end of an era for the Newport Shedders, it is also the beginning of exciting opportunities for both the men and the organisation.

The Men In Sheds project, initiated by AUKIW, established 12 of sheds on the Isle of Wight, providing a space for retired older men to engage in productive activities, form friendships, and contribute to community improvement projects.

Each shed was designed to become self-sufficient once established, empowering members to take charge of their own activities.

One of the sheds was established in the garden at AUKIW, at it’s previous Newport High Street office, meaning that the Newport Shedders remained a close part of the AUKIW family, even after the project finished.

Due to AUKIW’s move to St Thomas’ Square, the organisation has had to leave the shed behind.

However, they have announced that they have helped the Men In Sheds group secure new locations and projects that will allow them to continue their valuable work.

The group will now support Pan Together in maintaining their garden and will collaborate with the Community Unit at St Mary’s Hospital to improve their garden.

They will also continue to help tend to a small courtyard at AUKIW’s new office.

While the Men In Sheds will no longer operate from their original location, they will remain registered volunteers with AUKIW, and the organisation will continue to support them from afar.

In expressing gratitude for the Men In Sheds group, who maintained the garden at AUKIW for several years, AUKIW reflects on how the project has not only benefitted its members but has also enriched the lives of staff and volunteers alike.

A statement from Age UK IW said:

“What began as a project to combat social isolation for retired older men has blossomed into an extension of our Age UK Isle of Wight family.

"They’ve supported us just as much as we’ve supported them”.