Northern Men in Sheds secure funding for next two years

Initiative saved by grant from Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust

A charity-run community initiative is to keep running for the next two years thanks to a grant from the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.

Earlier this year Northern Men in Sheds - which is part of Isle of Man Live at Home - announced it could no longer keep operating due to a lack of funding.

The group offers older men a place to socialise and undertake creative projects in a bid to help alleviate loneliness and isolation.

It has now secured enough money to allow it to start up again and has the funds to run for the next three years.

They are also planning to start days for women too.

David Gawne, chair of Live at Home, said: "We wanted to keep the Northern Men in Sheds running as it plays a very special role.

"When men retire a lot of them have time on their hands and this gives them a reason for getting up in the morning. 

"Some come for the companionship but there is a purpose to it: we don’t just do it for the sake of it.

"It’s too valuable to lose it and we are very grateful to the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust for getting it up and running again and for agreeing to sponsor us for two years."

Terry Groves, chairman of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust, added: "Our Trust is mainly known for supporting healthcare in a medical environment, but we now are able to assist projects where we see a real need being met and positive benefits for mental health and wellbeing in the local community. 

"Undoubtedly Northern Men in Sheds is an important facility in this respect and we are delighted to be able to help them to carry on their valuable work. 

"As we all know, little acorns grow into large oak trees.’