Men's Sheds

Outside gardening space provided to support physical and mental wellbeing

Benefits of getting together with other people

Connecting with others is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, five evidence-based actions which can improve personal wellbeing. Social connectedness has a strong positive impact on both physical and mental health. Increased social connectedness is linked to reduced mortality risk, healthier lifestyles and higher cognitive functioning. Socially well-connected people are more resilient, feel more able to take charge of their lives and less stressed. Older adults that are socially connected experience increased life satisfaction.

Location

Tree of Life Centre, Wythenshawe

Project team

Buzz, Tree of Life Centre

Aim

“Men’s Sheds are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests that people enjoy such as making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary while Men’s Sheds are about social connections and building friendships.” (Men in Sheds)

Evaluation

The space has been developed and provides invaluable support to the men who use the space. It also helps people to develop new skills and meet new people.

Strategic links to local/national policies

Benefit	Policy
Social inclusion	Manchester Population Health Plan NHS Five Year Forward View (Department of Health, 2014)
Enabling resilient communities	Greater Manchester Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Increased mental wellbeing	Manchester Health and Wellbeing Strategy Greater Manchester Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Helping people live healthier lives	Healthy Lives, Healthy People (MH Government, 2010) The Manchester Locality Plan – A Healthier Manchester Manchester Health and Wellbeing Strategy Manchester Prevention Programme

Research/evidence base

Global Council on Brain Health (2017) - The Brain and Social Connectedness

Ministry of Social Development (2018) - The measurement of social connectedness and its relationship to wellbeing

New Economics Foundation (2008) – Five ways to wellbeing

Oliver Huxhold, Martina Miche, Benjamin Schüz. (2014) Benefits of Having Friends in Older Ages: Differential Effects of Informal Social Activities on Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 69, Issue 3, Pages 366–375.

Umberson, D. & Montez, J. K. (2010) Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 51(S) S54–S66.

Contact

Phil Tomlinson - Neighbourhood Health Worker

Philip.Tomlinson@gmmh.nhs.uk

T: 07557 677 969

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“I started buzz's PARS pilates classes after I had a stroke, they have been amazing! These classes have continued on Microsoft Teams during lockdown.”

Local Wythenshawe resident attending PARS exercise classes