Willie Moore, chair of Deise Men’s Shed in Waterford city, was getting back on his feet after an illness when he received a phone call regarding a Men’s Shed.

“A year ago, I got a phone call from the community development centre. There was a chap looking to know if there was a Men’s Shed in Ballybeg and if we were starting one.”

Willie decided to meet the man, and discovered that there were many people interested in the idea of a Men’s Shed. The ball began to roll and the men were able to find a premises.

“The funding was the big problem, as work needed to be done to the premises, “says Willie. “We did a church collection and we collected €1,500. That put in the electrical works.”

Deise Men’s Shed officially opened in November last year, and in such a short space of time they have made a significant difference to the community.

“We made picnic benches for St John of God School and we made a stool for an autistic child. The only thing he would sit on was a medicine ball, but he kept falling off it, so we made a kind of stool that he could put the ball into,” says Willie.

“The shed is open to Waterford city as a whole and the surrounding areas. Everyone is treated the same, no matter what kind of background they come from. There is a chap who came in from rehab and we had people in from Syria. Some of the men are retired carpenters, and there are retired school teachers. We have people from all walks of life.”

Deise Men’s Shed has a huge focus on health. “We have people who would come and give talks on mental health and how to look after yourself.”

While there are lots of opportunities to avail of at the shed, “it is up to the members when they come in what they would like to do. If they just want to come in for a cup of tea and a chat, that’s no problem,” says Willie.

If you would like more information on the shed or to join, contact Willie Moore on 089 478 5484.