“IT could be a lifesaver for some but it is a reason for some guys to put their socks on on a morning and give someone a purpose.”

Andy Ryland pulls no punches when he explains the importance of the Mensshed Movement.

Originally set up in Australia, this rapidly developing network recognised the value of men coming together around practical tasks on a regular basis.

The concept came to England through Age Concern Cheshire at Hartford in 2009. There were four staffed Sheds before a Community Men’s Shed was formed in London in 2011. User-led Sheds now form the vast majority of almost 300 Sheds now open in the UK and nearly 100 more are in the planning.

A Men’s Shed is a larger version of a typical man’s garden shed. It is a place where men feel at home and can pursue practical interests.

Men who are involved with Menssheds can share tools and resources as well as each others company.

Activities generally involve making or mending in wood; metalworking; bike repair; gardening; electronics; tool renovation; model engineering and even car building!

Although the vast majority of ‘shedders’ are at or beyond retirement date, younger men are encouraged to get involved too.

As well as offering men the opportunity to meet up, socialise and share skills perhaps, more importantly, Menssheds are helping to tackle loneliness.

Concerns about the impact loneliness can have on health and well-being are already widely reported. Loneliness is also the subject of many initiatives helping to tackle this issue which isn’t solely confined to the older generation.

Social changes such as families no longer living side by side in the same street; not knowing who your neighbours are and being confined to your own four walls through ill health can all contribute to feelings of loneliness which, if they are not confronted, can exacerbate into conditions such as depression.

Men in particular are renowned for keeping things to themselves, especially when it comes to concerns about their health.

While women are more likely to chat about worries and life in general with their friends, men tend not to talk and bury any worries deep.

Traditionally, women are more likely to join groups and organisations, expanding their circle of friends, whereas some men won’t.

Through his role as Mens Shed development officer with Community First Yorkshire, formed from well-established charities, Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY) and the North Yorkshire & York Forum (NYYF) which have been supporting community organisations across North, South and West Yorkshire since 1937, Andy is busy encouraging men to get together by setting up their own.

Gomersal is the latest location for a Mens Shed. The group are in the process of registering as a charity and Kirklees Council has already offered them use of a classroom at the former Gomersal First School in Oxford Road.

Now they are seeking donations of tools and tables for the group.

Mike Atkinson's involvement in the group came through running the community library at Grove URC in Gomersal.

The 49-year-old explains they have been working on the initiative since the Autumn and already have 10 members.

Mike says Mens Sheds are ideal for those who are younger and unemployed as well as the retired who are seeking something to do.

Andy says working together on practical tasks can offer the men a platform to talk:

“If they are doing something, talking, side by side, it gives an opportunity for them to talk about anything which is bothering them,” he explains.

He says suppressing feelings and feeling isolated can lead to issues such as depression, alcohol abuse and obesity.

“Being with other people it gives you enjoyment; sharing skills and learning new skills is all empowering.”

Andy is also keen to emphasize that Mens Sheds are a fun place to be.

“It is a fun place to get together, do practical tasks together,” says Andy, referring to some of the projects they get involve with such as bike recycling and creating planters for communities and children’s play equipment.

For more information, or to get involved, email gomersalmensshed@gmail.com. To find out more about the Mensshed Association visit menssheds.org.uk