Between 1^st July and 31^st December 2021, The Shed supported 34 men to become more socially connected to their community and to be inspired to have purpose in their lives. The project is delivered by social inclusion charity, Salford Foundation.

The Shed offers support to men (aged 18+) living in Salford, Manchester and Trafford who want to move forward in their lives and reach their full potential. Many of the men are socially isolated, unemployed, and/or recently released from prison.

Support is delivered by professional staff, trainers, peer mentors, councillors, and volunteers, and includes attitudes and thinking skills, aspirations and goals, independent living skills, employability and training, health and wellbeing, money management, fitness, hobbies, and interests.

Many of the men that visit The Shed experience complex needs and barriers such as mental and physical health conditions, a history of offending, problem debt or insecure accommodation which requires more intensive, long-term support.

Following initial needs and risk assessments, men are offered 1:1 or group work depending on their needs, this can range from one week to six months.

Key outcomes achieved for men include nine men with improved life/personal skills, eight men with improved digital skills, six men with improved finance and debt, eight men with improved health & wellbeing, six men gained employment, five men achieved a qualification and six men accessed counselling support.

During the summer, The Shed was also part of a refurbishment project to create a more welcoming, confidential, practical and bespoke male only space for men to receive support and connect with each other. The VRU is proud to have been able to provide a small donation to support this work. Several service users volunteered and helped to re-decorate give it a more “rustic” look with a barbers chair, brew/social space, confidential counselling room and woodworking area.

To find out more about The Shed visit The Shed (salfordfoundation.org.uk).

Salford Foundation, Registered Charity 1002482.

Article posted on: 24/01/2022 12:01pm