West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the work of volunteers who help to give support to people experiencing loneliness.

The nationwide Men’s Shed initiative provides a regular meeting place where people can learn skills like woodworking and chat to other people.

The Malvern Men’s Shed, which is open to men and women, now supports more than 50 people at its base on Newtown Road in Malvern with people visiting from as far away as Pershore.

Harriett visited the facility, which is run by the Malvern charity Community Action, and she talked to volunteers and service users about how the national initiative works, and helps.

Harriett said:

“Although it is billed as a Men’s Shed, it is very much welcome to all and provides a safe space where people can come and talk to other people while learning a new skill like wood-working, or remembering their old skills.

“The Men’s Shed is very much like the old workshops that you’d see in many people’s sheds in the 50s and 60s but it’s very much focused on helping people to spend time together rather than crafting.

“I am hugely supportive of initiatives such as this and grateful that this has the helping hand of Community Action to keep it running smoothly.”

Community Action’s Corinne Phillips, added:

“It is so rewarding to see how Malvern Men’s Shed is changing people’s lives and how quickly their confidence grows once they start attending.

“If you are interested in coming along please pop in or call Community Action on 01684 892381 for further information.”

Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP (centre front) with volunteers and service users at Malvern Men’s Shed.