MEMBERS from 11 Men Shed groups across Newry Mourne and Down enjoyed a two-day residential trip to Drogheda recently.
The group of 46 men — known as shedders — visited Men’s Sheds to make new contacts, exchange ideas and learn from other successful sheds. They also stopped off at the the Battle of the Boyne Centre and took part in a good relations workshop.
The trip also featured a session with members sharing best practice in volunteer management, governance and financial management.
The trip was part of a wider project being delivered by Co Down Rural Community Network funded by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme.
This project aims to improve the capacity of Men’s Sheds by bringing them together to develop friendship, create networking opportunities and learn from each other.
Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman, Charlie Casey, said Men’s Sheds are a great space to bring men together to share their skills, exchange ideas and to build friendships.
“The trip provided existing members with an opportunity to get out of their everyday environment and avail of capacity building training and best practice advice,” he explained. “It also offered others not yet involved with Men’s Shed, support in setting up their own group or joining an existing group.”
Further information on Men’s Sheds is available from the Co Down Rural Community Network at info@countydownrcn.com or telephone 028 4461 2311. The Network can provide free information, advice and support for existing Men’s Sheds and offer places on upcoming residential trips.