Ruth Adler: Visiting Donegal next Wednesday
The Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Ruth Adler, will perform the official opening of Letterkenny Men’s Shed at the Old Laundry, St. Conal’s Hospital next week.
Letterkenny Men’s Shed has been developed by Letterkenny Community Development Project (Letterkenny C.D.P.) in association with HSE West Stroke Medical Rehabilitation Unit (SMRU) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) teams in Letterkenny.
This partnership approach to working with a community development ethos facilitates an environment that is inclusive, supporting and empowering.
Men of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this project. It offers the members an opportunity to share tools, skills and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing; at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue.
The skills learned by the men in this project will enable them to take a more active role in their community and enhance their own health and wellbeing. The “Shed” is affiliated to National Men’s Shed Ireland and is also supported by the Dept. of Social Protection through Community Employment Programme.
Letterkenny C.D.P. is a non-profit making charitable organisation based in Community House 2 Errigal Road Letterkenny.
Cathal Monaghan, Men’s Shed Co-ordinator with Letterkenny C.D.P. said: “A Men’s Shed is where men can come together with a common purpose and become part of a local, national and international Men’s Shed Movement; which is one of the fastest growing and most successful community projects available to men.
“Our target groups are men who are unemployed, retired or who have spare time on their hands and wish to spend it in a way that promotes inclusion and equality and enhances their health & wellbeing. Professionally trained staff from both teams, will provide instruction, supervision and support to the Men’s Shed participants, and also develop highly individual classes and community activities for each programme participant.”
The concept of the Men’s Shed originated in Australia and was designed to help older men living in rural areas to find new friends and interests.
Dr Adler will be in Letterkenny next Wednesday.
The first Irish Men’s Shed was established in 2009, and there are currently around 170 sheds across the country, with an average of 5,000 members.
The initiative provides a space in the community where men can come together to use their talents and ideas to enrich their own lives as well as contributing to their local communities.
* Anyone interested in getting involved in Letterkenny Men’s Shed can get further details on opening times etc. by contacting Letterkenny C.D.P. on 074 9120633 or by contacting Cathal Monaghan, Men’s Shed Co-ordinator on 086 2270437 or mensshedlkenny@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Letterkenny-Mens-Shed/557761894294969