A Local Men’s Shed has launched in Yaxley and Farcet thanks to the help of CPSL Mind’s Good Life Fund.

The Men’s Shed was the idea of Ollie Ayres and is now open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4pm.

The group follows a scheme as part of the National Men’s Shed Association, but Ollie Wanted to create a local space for Yaxley and Farcet residents, as well as in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

How Yaxley and Farcet Men’s Shed was launched

Ollie is well known in Yaxley for his positive impact on the community. After launching Ollies Hobby Hub last year, he gained a reputation for helping anybody experiencing mental health challenges.

“We had lots of interest from men, particularly from other sessions that we run, asking for a men’s only space,” explained Ollie. “Somewhere they could come and do things like woodworking and laser cutting – all of those exciting things that give them a space to chat to other men and get to know other people.”

With the help of CPSL Mind’s Good Life Fund, which offers grants of up to £1,500 for projects that help local communities, Yaxley and Farcet Men’s Shed was launched.

A safe space where they could be around other guys

“We’ve had men come in who have lost colleagues in the wars and various other reasons,” Ollie said. “They just needed a safe space where they could be around other guys, get involved in something, and take their mind off it because we know that traditionally, males don’t like talking about their feelings.”

“I spend a lot of time at home on my own. Over the years, you lose friends and family,” explains Peter after his first visit to the Men’s Shed. “It’s good to go somewhere to meet people – especially people from the same background.”

What is the Good Life Fund?

The Good Life Fund offers grants of up to £1,500 to people in our local community to help set up groups that connect people, such as book clubs, craft classes, or activities that encourage people to learn new skills.

You can find out more about the Good Life Fund here:  https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/how-we-help/good-life-service/good-life-fund/