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About us and Men's Sheds
Alton Men’s Shed (AMS) is a registered charity that aims to improve and maintain the wellbeing and mental health of its members. We are based in Anstey Park, Alton, in the former St John’s Ambulance Station, now known as the Edgar Hall.
Mission - Alton Men’s Shed mission is to develop a welcoming community space for men (and women) to connect, converse and create with the intention to reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly have fun at the same time.
Key Activities - The main activities at the Shed can vary based on the interests and preferences of the members, but generally cover: Woodworking and Carpentry, Metalworking, DIY and Home Improvement, Electronics and Technology, Arts and Crafts, Socialising/Conversation, Workshops, Skill Sharing and drinking tea/coffee!
Principal Beneficiaries - Apart from the benefits to AMS members from its key activities there are significant additional community benefits. AMS will, on a voluntary unpaid basis, undertake projects (providing any material costs are met) to individual or organisational entities in Alton and surrounding settlements within the scope of its key activities. No project or work will be undertaken that requires specialist knowledge or that can or should be delivered by a commercial entity.
Men often don’t address their health problems, whether they recognise them or not, and sometimes go untreated until it is too late. The Men’s Shed concept aims to address these issues especially for older men. Today retired men often live longer than they did twenty years ago and can suffer from the onset of boredom, depression, loneliness, or bereavement impacting their quality of life. The Men's Sheds, of which there are now many throughout the country, try and change this by a community initiative that can improve the physical and psychological well-being of the members, allowing retirement to be more enjoyable, also at the same time by helping others and improving their self-worth. Therefore, a major boost to mental health with a sense of belonging and involvement. Social events are frequently organised, and some members come just for a chat and a cuppa whilst others enjoy the challenge of trying new skills.
If you are interested in learning more about the Men's Shed movement, you can either contact The Alton Men's Shed by email at [email protected] OR better still, pop along and meet us in person. You can also view the UK Men's Shed Association web site for a wider appreciation of the philosophy.
The Alton Men's Shed is normally open Monday - Friday between 9:30 - 12:00. We also have our monthly social event on the first Friday of each month at the All Saint’s Church Hall. Monday to Wednesday are our busy mornings at Edgar Hall and would be the best times to drop in for an initial visit.
