East Derry SDLP MLA Ms Cara Hunter warns of risk if funding of Men’s Sheds projects is not secured
Said Ms Hunter: “The potential ending of funding for Men’s Sheds projects across the North is an alarming prospect that must be averted.
“Men’s Sheds projects provide men an important opportunity for community, skills development, and sense of purpose.
“Men are too often forgotten when we consider socially vulnerable members of our society and Mens Sheds projects are fantastic spaces for men to enjoy community, to learn and share skills, to feel self-worth, and to make the connections and friendships vital to leading healthy, happy, socially rich lives.
“Currently, the National Lottery funding that has been essential to the success of these projects looks to end in September.
“I am calling on the Executive to act urgently to secure funding so that these projects may continue into the future.
“Too many men in our society suffer from loneliness and isolation, the consequences of which are known to be acutely detrimental to health and well-being.
“Men’s Sheds projects in my own constituency provide priceless opportunities for men to broaden their social horizons, put their skills and talents to practical use, and avail of mental health services that they may not otherwise access.
“I’m mindful of the need to protect the Men’s Sheds services in Foreglen, Cornfield and Laurel Hill at risk, and I’m conscious of the devastating impact that their loss would represent to the men that use them and their communities.
“Today I’m urging the Department of Health to explore all options to secure funding of Men’s Sheds projects across the North.
“By securing a sustainable long term funding strategy for these services we can provide piece of mind to the men that benefit from these services and ensure that these communities can thrive into the future, protecting the health, dignity and wellbeing of our men.”
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