Men in Sheds group receives wood donation thanks to L&Q partner gift

Ahead of today’s International Men’s Day (19 November), a donation of wood is helping tackle loneliness and social isolation ‘root and branch’ for men in Burnham.

(Left to right) Richard Baratt, Peter Boland, David Undsal and Grant Mcphail.

The £400 gift came from Equans UK and Ireland, one of the leading housing association L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme (MWIP) partners.

Alongside improving social housing in Buckinghamshire, the partners have committed to creating a positive social impact in the community.

The timber will now be used by the men to make various items, such as tables, plant holders and bird boxes to deliver to local projects and help improve the environment around the South Buckinghamshire village.

Men in Sheds is a network of charity organisations which provide support primarily for men, but not exclusively, to come together to learn, socialise and share skills.

The groups also help enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation, loneliness and empower local communities.

There are more than 900 Men’s Sheds open across the UK and an additional 150 or more are being planned.

Peter Boland, of Men in Sheds Burnham, said:

“Many thanks to Equans UK and Ireland for its generous donation. The team were all excited when the wood arrived, and it will help us deliver projects to the local community.”

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:

“Thank you so much to our Major Works Investment Programme partner Equans for supporting this excellent local project.

"Men can often suffer social isolation and loneliness and can be reluctant to ask for help. However, the network of Men’s Sheds groups around the country is a fantastic way of helping men come together to improve their mental health and well-being.

"Their mission aligns with our organisation’s values and purpose to create a positive social impact by supporting not only our colleagues and residents, but also the wider communities we serve.”

Equans UK & Ireland is one of ten partners working with L&Q  on its Major Works Investment Programme.

This will see us invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort, and environmental performance of residents’ homes.

Beyond improving homes, the partnership includes social value commitments to create a lasting impact in the communities where it operates.