Photo - Alan Mak MP with members of 'HAMESH' - Havant Men's Shed
Health Minister Alistair Burt has weighed in with his support for the Havant Men’s Shed movement, and agreed to help open the organisation’s new building at Langstone Technology Park – due to be completed this summer.
Mr Burt joined local MP Alan Mak in Parliament by praising the movement’s contribution to the local community.
The Havant Men’s Shed – known locally as HAMESH – which is supported by local community newspaper Postcode Publications, is one of a growing number of community workspaces appearing in the UK; the Men's Shed movement having started in Australia where there are more than 1000 branches.
The Men’s Shed movement provides communal facilities for men to congregate in friendly company to encourage active participation, stave off boredom and loneliness, and through association thrive in later-life activity.
The Havant Shed, now in its third year of operations, is concerned with a range of community projects, catering for around 30 members with a full management committee, bank account and website.
Mr Mak has been a long-standing supporter of the Havant Men’s Shed, where local residents can gain valuable skills in craft, joinery and the creative arts whilst volunteering to help community projects. The Havant MP spoke in Parliament supporting the Shed’s efforts to boost mental health and wellbeing in the local area.
Mr Mak said: “I’m a strong supporter of Havant Men’s Shed, and similar sheds across the constituency. I’m delighted to speak up for Havant Men’s Shed in Parliament, and pleased that Health Minister Alistair Burt is backing us. Ministerial support for the Havant Men’s Shed movement is very welcome. The Sheds are an excellent community space for men across the region, especially our vulnerable residents.”
The Havant MP added: “I’m delighted to see HAMESH expand with a new site at Langstone Technology Park in Havant. I am looking forward to welcoming the Health Minister there this summer so we can open it together.”
Minister Alistair Burt described himself as a ‘keen supporter’ of the Shed Movement, and agreed to make time to visit the Havant branch in the coming months.
David Guest, sponsor of the Havant Men’s Shed, said: “It is great to see the Men’s Shed movement beginning to really take off in Havant and thanks to local MP Alan Mak for his continuing support. I am looking forward to Alan’s visit, along with Health Minister Alistair Burt, to help our local branches grow even further.”
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