The once abandoned shed improving the mental health of a whole community

The former South Wales blacksmith shop has been transformed into a center for the community.

Men’s Shed Clydach is run by Belinda Gardiner who took on the project after being inspired by other shed projects around the world.

Twice a week, the space fills with people enjoying cups of tea, chatting and engaging in crafts, carpentry and gardening.

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Belinda, 63, said: “We started three years ago in June. When I first heard about the men’s sheds, I wanted to do something like that in Clydach.

“I bought this place the year before I decided to open the Shed and it was born. People didn’t know he was here.

“When I started, everything was very hard and ready.”

Belinda founded the Men’s Shed three years ago
(Image: John Myers)

The Men’s Shed movement, founded in Australia, was originally created to improve the health and well-being of older men, but the Clydach Shed also has female members.

Belinda has been volunteering in the Clydach community since retiring from teaching. She goes above and beyond for anyone in need.

Since founding the Men’s Shed in 2019, Belinda has raised funds from various sources to help the community center grow.

During the lockdown, the “dumpsters” carried out welfare checks on vulnerable people in the area and helped with the deliveries of purchases for those in need.

Belinda says Shed has helped people struggling with mental health and feelings of loneliness.

Belinda said: “It’s really gone from strength to strength. We have people coming to the shed who are lonely or grieving and may not have anyone at home to talk to.”

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“We’re building a real community here. It doesn’t matter if you come alone because as soon as you walk in the door, people want to meet you.”

In addition to providing a safe space for the community, the Shed organizes outings and activities. The sheds, many of which are over eighty years old, have recently taken part in rock climbing and canoeing.

Belinda said, “Some of the ladies were flying up and down the climbing wall. Noreen went all the way up and she’s in her eighties! I think I was the worst there!”

Noreen Todd, 86, said: “I’ve been coming here for three years as there was nothing here. We’ve climbed, canoeed and made good friends.”

Some of the sheds at Dynamic Rock Swansea
(Image: dynamic rock)

Some members say that Shed has completely changed their social life.

Joyce James, 81, said: “Before this, I was just at home. Ever since I got here, it made me want to do more. Now I have something every day of the week except one day. I use my scooter to get around and I have Parkinson’s, but they will always help me.

“Everyone is so helpful.”

Many of the shedders have become good friends and meet up for nights out at local restaurants and pubs.

As well as a place to chat, the Men’s Shed is a hub of hands-on activity. Some of the sheds, overseen by 86-year-old head carpenter Ken Gray, use the shed to hone their hands-on skills.

Locals have made bird tables, lawn ornaments and more in the small woodworking space, which they then sell to raise money for charity.

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Ken said, “My dad worked with wood in the ’50s and ’60s, so I’ve always played with it.

“Coming here has been very helpful. I lost my wife eight years ago and stayed at home. I’ve made good friends here.”

Shedders can learn carpentry skills from Ken
(Image: John Myers)

Belinda’s grand plans for the Shed were put on hold during Omicron’s latest wave. Now, she is looking forward to 2022.

She said, “We want to reach out to the community. We’ve been lucky enough to get some funding to do that.”

“We also want to plan more trips and events for the summer of this year. And of course we are always welcoming new members, no matter where they are from.”