Arklow Men’s Shed in Co Wicklow is a close-knit group of six men from the locality. The group meets daily for a chat over a cup of tea. Having began in 2010, shortly after the men’s shed initiative was introduce to Ireland, Arklow Men’s Shed has served as a social outlet for many years. Speaking on behalf of the shed, long-term member Frank Dunlop recalls how the shed came to life.

“The men’s shed programme came to Ireland in 2009 and the lads around here thought it would be a good addition to the community. It was the following year by the time it got going. There were about six guys involved in setting it up. Joe Ryan was probably the leader of the group, he was our chairperson at the time.”

“There wasn’t a specific need for a men’s shed, but there is always a need for a social outlet for men and this seemed to be the answer. Wicklow partnership was great. It funded our very first project, which was building a fishing dory. After that we got into the swing of things and took on a number of our own projects.”

Touching on mental health, a central part of the initiative, Frank believes, is simple – the group improves the quality of life for its members. It is a social outlet and keeps people active. It gives men a reason to get out of the bed in the morning, he believes.

Having the benefit of a workshop with the necessary wood tools and machinery, means Arklow Men’s Shed can be more self-sufficient, Frank explains:

“We started a bit of woodwork, making bird boxes and flower boxes. This has kept the electricity and heating bills paid.”

With such an experienced group of men, skillsets are diverse. Putting these to use is key to Arklow Men’s Shed, where members enjoy helping the local tidy towns committee. The group is more than happy to lend its skills to charitable causes, with repairs and restoration projects ongoing.

With such a small but bonded group, Arklow Men’s Shed doesn’t have an official structure of responsibilities. In many ways this adds to the group’s empathetic nature and close friendship. Frank invites anyone who would like to join the group, or is interested in finding out more, to get in touch.

“We are always seeking new members. People are more than welcome to join us. We are here every morning from 9.30am until 12.30pm, in Monument Lane.”

Call Frank on 086-3479575 for further details.