Romford Care Home proudly opened The Man Shed in May of this year. A new community initiative designed to bring men of all ages together through shared skills, stories, and friendship.
Officially launched on Friday 23rd May, the project was created in partnership with the UK Men’s Sheds Association and now runs twice monthly, on the first and
third Friday of each month from 3–5pm.
The Man Shed provides a relaxed space where residents, their families, and the wider community can connect. Whether it’s woodworking, DIY, or simply enjoying a chat over a cuppa, the Shed offers an environment where men can bond over common interests while finding purpose and companionship.
On an average week, around 8–12 men attend the Shed. Most are caregivers supporting loved ones living with dementia or other illnesses, while some face health challenges of their own. With an average age of 72, and members ranging from 58 to over 90, the group is as varied as it is welcoming, united by the shared value of camaraderie.
Tracy Smith, Customer Relations Manager at Romford Care Home, explained the inspiration behind the initiative:
“Working very closely with families over the past five years, I realised that quite often when ladies move into our care, their husbands can feel very lonely. Men often find it hard to ask for help, especially from women, so ‘The Man’s Shed’ felt like the ideal opportunity to offer support. We reached out to
local dementia and support groups and the response was overwhelming — while there are plenty of community groups available, there was nothing dedicated solely to men, and nothing with such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.”
The Shed is already making a difference to both residents and the local community. Residents have shared how much they value having visitors and the chance to talk about their lives, with one gentleman saying: “It’s been a long time since I have sat with friends and chatted about my life.” Community members have also praised the initiative, noting that it’s “great that men’s mental health is now being taken seriously.”
Two dedicated volunteers, Bob and Bernie, play a vital role in the project. Both have previously benefited from community support themselves and were eager to give something back. Bob shared: “I’m very honoured to be able to give back some of the support I received when I needed it.”
Maddie, General Manager at Romford Care Home, added:
“We are incredibly proud of The Man Shed here at Romford. It’s more than just an activity, it’s a place where friendships can grow, stories can be shared, and wellbeing can be nurtured. Creating opportunities like this for men in our home and community is so important, and we are delighted to see the positive impact already.”
To find out more about The Man Shed at Romford Care Home, contact Tracy on 01708 548305
