A PROJECT to improve men’s mental health is looking for more people to get involved.

The Men’s Shed, in Halstead, is looking for more people to get involved.

Men’s Sheds are places to pursue practical interests, skills and enjoy making and mending.

The project has now come to Halstead, run by Kevin Pryke.

Kevin, 59, from Halstead, is the project leader and looking to build up the group.

He said: “It all started with an idea a year or so ago. As I am semi-retired and looking to retire, I wanted to get back into doing a bit of woodwork in the garage.

“I joined the UK Men’s Shed Association, and someone from Essex Men’s Shed wanted to get one active in Halstead so that is what I did.”

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Men’s Sheds also have a social side, where men can make new friends.

Kevin said: “It is a meeting point, primarily aimed at guys, to share concerns and worries as we tend to keep things quiet.

“Sometimes when people retire, they don’t know what to do – lots don’t prepare for retirement.

“Some people lose partners, some men are quite isolated at home, we need to get these people active and doing things.”

Kevin has been working with Halstead Town Council to spread the word and get more people involved, and says the reaction so far has been “very good”.

He said: “We have got a meeting with the town council and just need to get the idea out to the general public.”

The project is looking for people who would not only like to use the men’s shed but also be part of the committee and any retired trades people who are interested in giving a few hours to help others and pass on their knowledge.

For more information about the project, visit menssheds.org.uk.

To get involved, email halsteadmensshed@gmail.com or phone Kevin on 07889 255269.