This project will work intergenerationally to develop a safe environment for men through the development of a Mens shed to encourage men and their families, young and old, to engage around the following themes; Improving health and wellbeing, becoming more active, building social capacity through new skills and education, actively participate in an inclusive connected community and developing a safer community. These will be achieved by the development of projects that will give men the confidence and ability to play an active role in society.

 

Ballybeen Mens motivation group (BMMG) has been engaging with local men and their families in the area to address local health inequalities, social isolation and identify skill gaps. As identified through the Ballybeen Development Plan 2013, put in place by local residents, groups and stakeholders, we have identified the following needs; 2.6% of the population identified Mens health as a priority for future development. 36.7% believe that mental health is a key priority. 45% of those asked believe drugs and alcohol impact greatly on their community. 49.5% see low aspirations as a key factor on the community.

Ballybeen has a growing community with higher than average youth and older populations, leaving an increasing generational gap. We plan to move forward with an aim of an inclusive range of services to ensure future local social sustainability. The local action plan has identified that there is a greater need for services that promote health and wellbeing 41.5%, sporting facilities 64.5%, drop-in space 39.2% and social space for interaction 71.7%. Health related activities were also a key priority with 71.3% seeing depression as a key impact, stress and anxiety 61.4% and drugs and alcohol as 61.4%. With these in mind we have worked with local stakeholders and local men to develop plans to address some of these key concerns. The aim is to provide an open access range of services and opportunities for local men through creation of a Mens shed. As a planned targeted approach we aim to address these needs through the following themes through Men’s Shed.

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1. Promote and improve the health and wellbeing of men and their families in the local area through the use of existing gym equipment and the development of engagement or health initiatives addressing mental health, obesity, weight management, healthy eating, social and physical activities to promote a more healthy lifestyle.

2. Encouraging inclusion through social interaction to reduce social isolation. Provision of a safe space, resources and activities to assist young and old to interact in activities such as fishing, woodwork, music, walking groups, gardening, self-grow projects and cycling. Deliver both in house and with other mens sheds or group.

3. Asist men through shared learning to develop life skills, wok skills and employment opportunities and to give back into the community through classes in basic mechanics, carpentry, brick laying, tiling and home repairs etc.

4. Development of cross community, cross border projects and initiatives to encourage a wider connection with other areas and skill bases. Initiatives will focus on health, recreation, community safety, history, good relations and sport.

 

Local Men will be involved in the development, planning layout and design of every aspect of the project. We hope to have men who will self-refer through outreach activities or be referred through other stakeholders such as the probation board, general practitioners, youth clubs, schools, the public health agency and trust services.