Shed loads of fun: New project helps isolated Kent men

To combat this, isolated men are invited to join a "unique" Kent project, working "shoulder to shoulder" while improving mental health and wellbeing. Josie Griffiths finds out more.

Kent Sheds allows men - over a million of whom suffer from chronic loneliness in the UK - to make new friends, share skills and contribute to the community.

"It's only limited by your imagination" said Ivan Rudd, from Kent County Council (KCC) public health.

"One group is converting an old elephant house into a shed."

Mr Rudd

Groups are given a one-off payment of £1,000 to get projects off the ground.

One, Northfleet’s No Walls Gardens, have 20 to 25 volunteers a day - who suffer from mental health problems, substance abuse and addictions, as well as young offenders and the long-term unemployed - doing woodworking, arts and crafts, and gardening.

It was an established community interest company, before teaming up with the council.

Business partners Gary May and Peter Scollard were "delighted to get involved", and opened their factory-come-shed on Kent Kraft industrial estate in March.

Left to right: Mr May and Mr Scollard

Lifelong Northfleet resident Mr May said: "There is a really big synergy between what Kent Sheds and No Walls Gardens are doing.

"This allows us to widen our client base."

Dartford Shed, started in April last year, is a "virtual shed" led by veterans, whose members help with various community projects.

Darren Riley, from the group, said: "I had got very low but my life has changed so much.

"I am for the first time in many years happy and content."

The Boat Buoys, a long-running group which is part of Gravesend's 1846 Regatta Committee, now use their boat house as a shed.

The Boat Buoys with their umpire's boat

Ian Stevenson, a member for 44 years, said: "We are very hands-on, all the time.

"We maintain four Ottoman skiffs, a safety boat and umpire's boat that was given to us in a rather sorry state."

Mr Stevenson joked they "were quite happy to take the money", saying: "Looking after the boats is an expensive business.

"I had hoped we would get new members.

"We need replacements."

The programme began in February last year, and Mr Rudd hopes to recruit two new shed groups a month.

He said: "It’s not magic. When we help others, we help ourselves.

"The positives are young men who are in employment now, by building up their confidence and their networks.

"A shed does not have to be a static thing.

"It’s driven by their own aspirations."

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