On Tuesday 9th July 2019, Jane Pritchard, Community Liaison for Aico along with Dave Jennings, Technical Advisor and member of the Aico in the Community team visited the Oswestry Men’s Shed at Oswestry Showground.
This charitable community-based organisation was set up five years ago with aim of providing a safe, friendly, healing environment as a meeting place for men. They have made great progress in combating the negative impact of loneliness and isolation of a person’s health and wellbeing. It is an innovative project that brings together men who have time on their hands and want to get together to share and learn new skills, form friendships, have a joke and enjoy themselves in a warm and inviting environment.
Oswestry Men’s Shed publishes articles on Facebook, the last one being read by 2807 members of the general public. Neil Conuel, a member of Oswestry Men’s shed commented “ Men’s Shed aims to get as many people as possible talking about their problems and taking smalls steps such as checking in on someone or providing a venue where a listening ear can be a lifeline for someone who is experiencing difficulties.”
On visiting, Jane Pritchard expressed “I would like to thank Neil and members of the Oswestry Men’s Shed for welcoming us to their workshops. It was a great opportunity to find out about the creative and skilled work you do there and the amazing support you give to your members and our local community. As part of the work that Aico do within our community, we look forward to building a relationship with your organisation and being to offer our support.”
Aico are looking at ways in which we can work with and support this community organisation. If you require any support for a community project, please contact Jane Pritchard, Community Liaison on 01691 664100 or email jane.pritchard@aico.co.uk