Neil Baker was nearing his 60th birthday when he hit a mental health crisis. After retiring from a demanding career in financial technology, he found himself struggling with the sudden emptiness of his days. “I’d just had enough,” he recalls.
But what seemed like a period of isolation soon became the foundation for something life-changing. Mr. Baker discovered he wasn’t alone, and what started as a simple gathering of friends in a Surrey back garden has blossomed into the Camberley and District Men’s Shed, a community space where men come together to work, connect, and support each other’s mental health.
Now a thriving charity with 50 members, the Men’s Shed has been busy building its new home at a former sports pavilion on London Road’s recreation ground. The official opening of the new space will take place at 12:00 GMT on Friday, with Surrey Heath MP Alasdair Pinkerton cutting the ribbon. The event will offer a chance for potential new members to tour the facility and view some of the group’s recent projects.
Building Projects and Friendships
The Men’s Shed has become a hub of creativity and giving back to the community. Recent projects include restoring benches for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, constructing shelters for animal charities, building mud kitchens for children supported by Barnardo’s, and making planters for care homes.
However, the Shed is not just for those with a talent for DIY. As Mr. Baker explains, the group’s focus is on creating an inclusive environment where men of all skill levels can find purpose and camaraderie.
“It’s about men getting out and doing something, rather than retiring or being on their own,” says Mr. Baker. “Whether it’s getting active in events, bringing down their own projects, or just coming to have a cup of coffee and chat, it’s all about community.”
The Shed is a place for everyone, regardless of background or skill set. While some members, like a skilled carpenter, offer mentorship and training, others come to learn or simply enjoy the company. “We’ve got people from all sorts of backgrounds, and it’s not just about the projects. It’s about people connecting and helping each other,” says Mr. Baker.
In an exciting milestone for the group, the Men’s Shed has recently welcomed its first female member, further broadening the scope of its inclusivity.
A Positive Impact on Mental Health
For many men, particularly those in retirement or facing life transitions, the Men’s Shed offers a supportive environment that fosters both mental health and social connection. In a time when loneliness and mental health challenges are increasingly recognised as issues for men, the Shed provides a space where individuals can feel part of a team, learn new skills, and share experiences.
The official opening of the Camberley and District Men’s Shed marks an important step forward in supporting local men’s mental health and strengthening community ties through collaborative, meaningful activities.
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