A NEW hub to help tackle loneliness in men in Halstead has celebrated its grand opening event.

The Halstead Community Shed held the event last week, marking the building's completion.

Community Sheds encourage people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities.

They aim to improving wellbeing, reduce loneliness and combat social isolation.

Project leader Kevin Pryke has been working on getting the site up and running for months, completing the purchase of the vacant St John Ambulance site in Fenn Road earlier this year.

The official opening marked the completion of Halstead Shed, as some parts of the building have been open to the public since March and have seen more than 2,500 visitors.

With the support of the Halstead Community Fund, the shed not only acquired the St Johns Ambulance station but enabled the expansion of the project ‘wellbeing at the shed project’, aiming to establish a central hub in Halstead for promoting self-help and overall health and wellbeing.

Mr Pryke said: “I would like to express my gratitude to fellow Shedders for their dedication and selflessness.

“I extend a big thank you to Phil, Dave, Steve, Rod, Alan, Richard, Lee, David, Stephen, Paul and John without whose help we would not be here today.”

Communities boss at Braintree Council Mary Cunningham, who also attended the opening event, said: “This is a great project and asset to the Halstead community.

“All credit to the volunteers who have worked so hard to set it up.

“It will provide a social space for people to share their skills and meet others in their community.

“I am really pleased the Halstead Community Fund could contribute to this wonderful cause.”

Halstead Community Shed will host an open day event on September 15.

For more information, visit halsteadcommunityshed.co.uk