Members of a new men’s social group in the Garnock Valley are welcoming others to join them to work on hobbies or enjoy a cuppa.

Garnock Valley Men’s Shed started in February and sees around 40 guys pop in throughout the week either to socialise or to work on hobbies and projects. It has also given rise to the creation of Saltcoats Men’s Shed as featured recently in the Herald.

The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12.30pm / 1.30-4pm in the old maintenance depot behind Kilbirnie Library.

A Men’s Shed is a place where men can relax over a cuppa, play cards, have a laugh and a chat with friends or get creative.

David Gardner from Garnock Valley Men’s Shed told the Herald about the positive impacts sheds have on wellbeing.

He said: “They have benefits to men’s mental health and there’s no charge, membership is free.

“The Garnock Valley has one of the highest levels of unemployment in Scotland and what you’re getting now is second generation unemployment – their dad was unemployed and now they are, and that’s also part of the group we’re targeting.

“We’ve contacted the employment hub and we’ve got some guys coming in learning a craft. It’s maybe just the basics, but it’s skills.

“There’s also guys who are not used to being in a working environment, so this can give them the social interaction.

“We are not anti-women, we are pro-men. Among our biggest supporters are females. Men’s social lives tend to revolve around pubs, bookies and golf or bowling clubs, particularly retired men like myself who have worked from 15-65. You’re mixing with people every day, then all of a sudden that stops.

“One of the biggest problems I’ve found – and it took my good lady to draw it to my attention – she’s been running my household for 50 years and then all of a sudden I’m here and I start doing things and it’s different from the way she does them. This is her domain and all of a sudden there’s this guy wanting to change everything.

“The women love it [the shed] because it gives them a break. They drop off their husbands – it’s like a kindergarten!”

Members of Garnock Valley Men’s Shed are currently working on a variety of projects. The most ambitious venture at the moment is the construction of a log cabin and tea room.

The group received funding for the project from North Ayrshire Council’s Participatory Budgeting and are looking for volunteers to help out with the building work. No previous experience is needed as helpers can learn on the job from fellow members who are experienced tradesmen.

But while the shed might work on large-scale projects and carry out work within the community, David is keen to stress that men can also come along solely to relax.

He said: “The main thing is men’s mental health; to try and get guys – perhaps like myself, who are retired – out the chair with the remote. That can be just to have a chat or tea and a cake.

“They can also do crafts, but it’s not a workshop. They’re not expected to create something. If they want to just sit and have a chat, they can do that.”

As the shed is voluntary it needs funding in order to function.

David said: “We can apply for grants and they may be successful in some cases but what we’re looking for is local business to help.

“We’ve got a ‘supporters board’. Any company that supports us will be featured on the board. Any help received would be very much appreciated.”

For more information on Garnock Valley men’s Shed, contact David on 01505 683548.