A GROUP tackling loneliness among elderly men has received a cash boost from a Bromsgrove care home.

Chandler Court has sponsored a local 'Shed Share', making it an official partner of Men in Sheds Bromsgrove - an Age UK group which provides a support network for retirees through regular workshops.

The Bromsgrove branch was formed in 2016, and now has more than 30 members, known as 'Shedders', who socialise and learn new skills at woodwork sessions in Stoke Prior.

Jim Collis, one of the group's founding members, said: “Although we make and build items from materials, The Shed helps to re-build lives for people who are lonely - it helped me a lot after I lost my wife.”

The Shed Share scheme was launched this year to address a funding shortage which put the Bromsgrove group at risk of closing.

Age UK's Jo Hughes said: "The Shed Share scheme is to raise funds to make the group sustainable so it can continue.

"Men in Sheds provides something for men in particular when they retire to keep them active and social, so it's so important that we get more sponsors to keep the group going."

Shedders presented Chandler Court with its Shed Share certificate during a presentation ceremony at Heart of Worcestershire College, whose students created the scheme's promotional video.

Residents and staff were shown the film, and discussed ideas for a Men in Sheds creation for the home's gardens.

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Jo added: "The guys have come away with a range of wonderful ideas - from bird boxes to a love seat - and are now looking at how some of these ideas can be converted into a permanent Men in Sheds creation within the Chandler Court garden.

"There are already plans for return visits to discuss design details."

Joanne Gill, home manager at Chandler Court, said: “Building strong links with the local community is really important to us at Chandler Court, and what better way to do so than supporting Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest’s fantastic Men in Sheds scheme.

"Sharing a hobby, such as woodwork, provides a common interest for many older people and allows new connections and friendships to grow."

To sponsor Men in Sheds for a year for £100, or for information on joining, visit ageuk.org.uk/brwf.