Frequently Asked Questions ...
1. What is a Men’s Shed?
Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.
2. Who runs Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed?
Typically shed’s in the UK are run by the men that use them, in a bottom-up approach. This grassroots model can often bring about stronger feelings of fulfilment and achievement in the men that develop them, and may lead to better sustainability as they often don’t start with large cash injections. Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed is run by a committee chaired by Allan Walker. The committee are all volunteers.
3. Are Men’s Sheds just for older people?
No, but most of the men that attend them are retired but this shouldn’t put anyone off. This is because a life after employment can be difficult and men often feel that they’ve lost their sense of purpose and place in the world. They can miss the routine and camaraderie between colleagues that often comes with working life. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation which can be dangerous for their health and wellbeing. However, recognising that age isn’t the only factor in loneliness and isolation, and that there is more to Men’s Sheds, for example sharing skills, informal learning and enjoyment, Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed have a mix of ages.
4. Can women attend?
There are many Men’s Sheds in the UK with female members, but most Men’s Sheds exist for the benefits they bring to men’s health and wellbeing. Therefore, it’s really down to each individual Shed whether they invite women, or have separate days for women to join in. One of the best things about Men’s Sheds is they facilitate conversation about subjects that men might usually find difficult to talk about. Some men find it easier to open up when it’s just men, but that’s not always the case.
5. Is there a Men’s Shed near me?
Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed is located within the parish of Church Crookham next to the community allotments. Our address is:
Church Crookham & Fleet Men's Shed
Gurkha Path
Naishes Lane
Church Crookham
GU52 8DT
Follow brown signs for Naishes Wood – SANG Parking.
There is a new Shed being proposed for Hook which is located behind the new Sainsburys’ on the A30 in Hook. There is also a proposed new shed in Farnborough due to go live Jan/Feb 2024. Alternatively there is also a Men’s Shed in Yateley, Alton, West Farnborough and Camberley, to find the details use the UK Men’s Shed search tool (link below) to find your nearest shed:-
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https://Mens Shed.org.uk/find-a-shed/
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6. How do I join a Men’s Shed?
Go to our website www.ccandfmensshed.org.uk go to the contact form and fill in the form with a request to find out more information. One of our Shedder’s will then get in contact and arrange a time for you to visit or chat on the phone so you can see what we are all about.
7. How old do you have to be to go to a Men’s Shed?
Due to the nature of the activities, you’ll need to be at least 18.
8. Is there anything to pay if I decide to attend following my initial sessions?
Yes we charge a small fee that covers our overhead costs and we are happy to discuss this with you at the time if you wish to continue.
9 . Do I need any special equipment?
No not at all just some clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, oh and a coffee mug so you can help yourself to tea and coffee.
10. Do I need to know what I m doing?
No, there are plenty of people to help and projects to get stuck into. As long as your happy to work safely and pay attention to others around you we welcome the most complete novice.
11. Do I need a project of my own to be working on?
No not at all. You are most welcome to bring in your own project and work on it however we have a number of community projects that we under take for local organisations and the vast majority of shedder’s get involved in one or two of these projects which keeps them busy and makes it easier for you to engage with other shedder’s.