MEN’S Shed, the organisation helping men with their mental health, has set up shop in Parliament.

To highlight the work of the group, which has sheds in Dawlish and across Teignbridge, UK Men’s Sheds Association was given a week’s residency in the Palace of Westminster where they erected a well-built shed to raise awareness of men’s wellbeing. 

Among the visitors was Central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride.

‘The Parliament Shed’ has been custom-built and is designed to highlight the health, wellbeing and social benefits of community-run Men’s Sheds and the key areas where sheds make an impact.

With more than 1,100 Men’s Sheds across the UK and over 33,000 ‘Shedders’, the UKMSA aims to use this platform to engage with people working in the parliamentary estate and government to raise the profile of the Men’s Sheds movement and highlight the causes at the event.

Charlie Bethel, chief executive officer said: ‘Men’s Sheds work because they are a simple concept people can relate to. 

‘Whether it is a shed building bird boxes or mending football boots and bikes to give to disadvantaged children in their communities, you see a real pride and sense of achievement in everyone who comes through the door of a Shed.’

Mel added: ‘Men’s Sheds is an amazing movement that helps to shine a much-needed light on men’s mental health. 

‘I have provided support to Moretonhampstead Men’s Shed who have teamed up with the health and wellbeing organisation Wellmoor, part of the Moretonhampstead Development Trust.’