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Belfast to host global 'Men's Shed' as 400 gather in celebration

Bill Burrows, Ben Hopkins and Billy McCord from the north Belfast 'Men's Shed'
Bill Burrows, Ben Hopkins and Billy McCord from the north Belfast 'Men's Shed' Bill Burrows, Ben Hopkins and Billy McCord from the north Belfast 'Men's Shed'

THE growing phenomenon of 'men's sheds' will see more than 400 members gather together in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Men's sheds are spaces where men can get together and work on community-based and non-commercial projects.

Members are set to meet at City Hall on Saturday for the global 'Men Shed' event, organised by the Irish Men's Sheds Association (IMSA).

Founded just five years ago, the organisation has grown to include 350 sheds, with 10,000 men attending weekly.

In Northern Ireland, shed number are growing with 44 sheds in the north and approximately 1,000 members attending.

The gathering this weekend will celebrate the growing phenomenon with the theme, 'Sheds without Borders'.

Barry Sheridan from IMSA said: "It's a proven fact that men are less likely to talk about issues and reach out for help, but it’s the combination of men meeting up for social chat and doing 'men’s work' that has really resonated with men.

"This unique concept has helped shed numbers to surge in popularity over the past five years, and our numbers are continuing to grow."

Mr Sheridan said they hoped to increase the number of sheds and chose Belfast City Hall as a prime location to showcase what they do.

The event will also see the launch of 'Sheds for Life' - a health initiative by the IMSA designed to provide practical support to improve the health and well-being of members and reduce the number of men at risk from mental and physical illness.