JUDGES from an All-Ireland competition which celebrates the important contributions voluntary organisations make to enhancing people’s quality of life were in Downpatrick yesterday.
The prestigious IPB Pride of Place competition, in association with Co-Operation Ireland, focuses on people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.
Judges visited the Men’s Shed project to learn about the valuable work the organisation does and to speak with those involved, ahead of the competition winners being announced at a gala awards ceremony this November in Co Clare.
The successful Men’s Shed project was launched by Action Mental Health in 2013 with financial support from the Big Lottery Fund. It was entered in the Pride of Place competition by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.
Judges Blaise Treacy and Terry O’Niadh were welcomed to Downpatrick by council chairwoman Naomi Bailie and Men’s Shed project co-ordinator Eoin McAnuff.
Councillor Bailie said the members of the Men’s Shed — known as shedders — come from different walks of life, explaining the thing that bonds them is that they are people with time on their hands and keen to do something constructive with it.
“This project plays an important and integral role in helping men to once again become valued and valuable members of our community,” she continued.
“It is a place for men aged 60 and over to meet and discuss issues, share skills and explore new interests, with the aim of promoting their own health and well-being whilst putting something back into the community. At present men can undertake a range of activities such as joinery, gardening, woodturning, art, crafts, cookery and IT.”
The council chairwoman added: “The competition is an annual event aimed at recognising and celebrating the vital contributions that voluntary organisations make to improving people’s quality of life in their area.
“As the Men’s Shed in Downpatrick makes an important and valuable contribution to the health and well-being of men aged 60+ in our district, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is very pleased to be entering the project in this year’s competition.”
During yesterday’s visit, judges received a presentation on the Men’s Shed which highlighted the work the project undertakes to engage and support men in the locality.
Following the presentation, the judges were taken on a tour of the facility during which they met and chatted with those involved and who are benefitting greatly from the project. Representatives from voluntary and statutory organisations who support the Men’s Shed also met with the judges.