In July 2020 the government published a report, The Psychology of Loneliness (campaign to end loneliness, connections in older age). The forward to the report was written by Baroness Diana Barran MBE, Minister for Civil Society, in her own words the ‘minister for loneliness’.
“being lonely can undermine self-confidence and take us further from social life. The need for support on the journey out of loneliness. How the best way of helping people is to see their strengths and help them unlock their own capabilities”. (Independent Age, 2020: 3)
The report confirms that loneliness is both a cause and contributor to depression and when both co-exist there is increased risk of early mortality. The report further notes that depression is the most common mental health problem in later life with estimates that suggest it affects 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 or over.
The Men in Sheds project (which is run by AgeUK) was set up specifically to help reduce social isolation and loneliness. The shed provides opportunities to improve confidence and self-esteem, share and learn skills, make friends and keep active. Some ‘shedders’ work on personal projects whilst others produce work that benefits the wider community (benches for example) and create items that are sold with all profits helping to support the shed. Each shed has one or two coordinators, with one in the employ of AgeUK.
With a wealth of donated equipment the shed at Oakham Enterprise Park in Rutland is well equipped for a variety of projects. The men I met at the shed are from a variety of backgrounds, from council worker to doctor. Whether lonely or not, everyone enjoys the camaraderie, sharing of skills and knowledge to create some impressive work, punctuated by regular tea breaks!
There is also a Women in Sheds project run on different days.
Nikon FA, Cinestill 800 Tungsten 35mm film
