Men’s Shed Carn is inviting men and women of all ages from the Carndonagh area to come along to the ‘relaunch’ of their community-based initiative later this month.
The aim of the Men’s Shed relaunch or ‘Open Night’, which will take place at the Old Co-op Moville Road premises from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, September 26, is to provide information on the exciting range of activities, projects and courses on offer at the Shed from October onwards and to encourage those in attendance to sign up or become new members.
It will also aim to hear the views of the local community on what activities and projects they would like to see offered in the Shed.
Conor Doherty, Chairperson of Men’s Shed Carn project, said: “Ever since the award-winning DJ and local celebrity Michelle Doherty gave the ‘thumbs up’ to our project at the official launch in 2012, our renovated premises at the Old Co-op Moville Road has represented an important ‘community hub’ for men in the local area.
“Indeed, this project has been a fantastic initiative aimed at helping tackle social isolation and promote the health and wellbeing of local men – in particular in the years following the recession and economic downturn when employment was scarce or non-existent.
“Importantly, the Men’s Shed Carn project has always had an ‘open door’ policy since its inception – providing local men (school leavers, employed, unemployed or indeed retired) with a welcoming and supportive environment where they have been able to immerse themselves in projects or expend their energies with a great sense of ‘togetherness’.
“However, whilst unemployment was rife in 2012 when our project began, in more recent years we have seen an upturn in the economy with many of our members finding employment or moving elsewhere.
“Though we are delighted with this success for individual members it has meant that the number of members has reduced, and we are now keen to reinvigorate the Shed and do all that we can to attract new and former members – widening the scope of projects and training opportunities to a much broader audience.
“As part of an ongoing review, we have therefore agreed that both men and women are now welcome to join and become members of the Shed. Indeed, this follows on from a successful furniture restoration course over the last 4 or 5 years which was also attended by 9 local women – and which worked out very well and was truly beneficial for all involved.
“Also as part of our new review, we have agreed that local farmers will be a key target audience in our future attempts to attract new members and to serve a wider, more diverse community.
“Indeed, some of our members are retired business owners, school teachers and professionals who gain a lot from participation and membership of the Shed.
“It is important to highlight that the Shed is not just for people who want to want to make things – but offers a whole lot more!
“I would, therefore, welcome men and women – both young and old – from the wider Carndonagh area to come along to the ‘Open Night’ where we’ll be providing further information on our wide-ranging activities, projects and courses at the Shed.”
The Men’s Shed Carn project is supported by Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) and had been supported by Donegal ETB for some of its courses over the years. Another important supporter of the shed in the Inishowen Co-op, in whose premises the shed has operated since its inception.
Inishowen Development Partnership’s Community Development and Education Officer, Denise McCool, added: “IDP have been really delighted to support the Men’s Shed Carn project since its inception in 2012 – not least in terms of their aim to help alleviate social isolation for men in the Carndonagh area and to promote health and wellbeing.
“The success of this project and its positive impacts are clearly evident in the palpable sense of ‘togetherness’, ‘companionship’ and ‘connection’ created by and between the men.
“This initiative has also given the men a real sense of purpose – as well as an enhanced confidence with their participation in many of the educational and training courses funded through IDP or the ETB. Not only that, but the men involved have also given so much back to their local community, often unseen and unsung deeds.
“I would, therefore, encourage as many people as possible to come along to the ‘Open Night’ on Thursday 26 September.
“There’ll also be information on the night about the new opening hours of the Shed as well as further details on upcoming courses including health & safety, furniture restoration and computing.
“Some of the musicians and members from the newly-established Music Night will also be performing on the night and refreshments will be provided!
“It promises to be a great evening in support of what is a wonderful community-based project led by the men themselves – and which aims to see both men and women from our local area joining and becoming new members.
“We would also ask people from the local area interested in finding out more about the Shed – as well as other community groups – to come along to support this valuable local initiative.
“Indeed, we’re very excited about the future direction of the Shed and truly feel it offers a wide range of activities, projects and courses for many more people in the community.”
The new opening times for the Men’s Shed Carn are as follows: Monday – Music Night 8-11pm
Tuesday – 10am-12noon & 7:30-9:30pm (for the furniture restoration course from October 1st 2019)
Wednesday – 10am-12noon
Thursday – 10am-12noon & 1:30-4pm
Friday – 10am-1pm & the Cards Night 8-10:30pm
