Taunton Care Home Launches Its Own Men’s Shed To Share Skills And Encourage Conversation

A care home in Taunton has launched its own Men’s Shed to encourage residents to get together and join in conversation.

The residents at Beauchamp House care home, based on Village Road in Hatch Beauchamp, have created the club to boost the opportunities for male residents to socialise together. Chantal, the home’s Activities Lead, was assisted by Roy and Terry from The Parrett Community Shed for the first Beauchamp House Men’s Shed session, which will meet monthly.

It was inspired by resident, Chris, who was previously a member of The Parrett Community Shed before moving to Beauchamp House care home. He spoke to the other residents at the care home about how much joy he got out of being part of the community project, who were keen to form their own club onsite.

Chantal said: “Through conversations with Chris to learn about his personal interests and hobbies, we heard how much he enjoyed being part of The Parrett Community Shed. We wanted to start our own and were so pleased at the response we got from the other men who were excited to join in. The first meeting was such a huge success as the residents were chatting, singing, telling jokes, and having a laugh.

She added: “One of our newest residents has been unsure about leaving his room and socialising with others since moving in, so it was heartwarming to see that he was one of the first to arrive for the Men’s Shed meeting and made some new friends.”

Chris, the resident who helped to create the Men’s Shed, said: “It was so nice to get together with the other residents and lovely to see Roy and Terry again. I’ve enjoyed being part of a Men’s Shed again.”

Another resident, Colin, said: “I really enjoyed it as it was nice to do something different at the Men’s Shed.”

There are around 900 Men’s Sheds across the UK which promote wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation while the members use their practical skills to build, fix and restore items.

Terry from The Parrett Community Shed said: “We were pleased to be invited to help launch the Beauchamp House Men’s Shed following the success of our own group. It was lovely to see Chris again and to see the residents happily working on wooden flower planters. Over the coming months, we have lots of ideas for them including making some outdoor flower planters and bird boxes, which they can put up in the home’s garden.”