14/06/2019
Mayfield and Easthouses Men’s Shed – Media Release
April 2019
Mayfield and Easthouses Men’s Shed is a community based, non-profit group originally established by the Red Cross in 2015. The Red Cross Local Area Coordinators secured premises, donations of tools and materials from individuals and companies. The group is accessible to all men in Mayfield, Easthouses and the surrounding areas. The group meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings, 9.00 – 12.00 in a workshop provided free of charge by community business, McSence. Unfortunately, at present, due to space constraints the group has no vacancies. A waiting list is maintained and anyone wishing to be added to the list can contact us using the details below.
The group use DIY as focus for their activities, however the major objective of this project is the provision of a safe and friendly environment and to advance the well-being and health of members. Activities provide a really good opportunity for Men to meet, get together, and socialise. Some members have additional support needs, some are retired, and some have been referred by the Health service.
They are able share their skills and knowledge, divide up tasks that each person feels they can do and at the same time help other local community groups. For example, they have been making garden furniture for a local nursery and have made raised beds and refurbished garden benches for Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT).
During the past year, supported by Midlothian Council’s Communities team, the Men’s Shed have become a constituted group with a committee that meets every 2 months to organise activities, training and fund raising. MAEDT held funds on behalf of the group, however the group now has a bank account, which has enabled them to become more independent.
Recently the group were delighted to receive financial support in the form of a substantial donation of £1,000 from a company called ‘Specialist Joinery Fittings’ who had heard about the work of the Men’s Shed through Benny Friary, a member of the group.
• A quote from group members:
“This is an important activity for all of us; for six hours a week we can get together and make a difference for local people”. We have made new friends and are making links with other community groups in Mayfield, Easthouses and the wider Midlothian area”.
