Charlie Bethel
Chief Executive Officer
I have worked in the third sector for over twenty years and joined UK Men’s Sheds Association in the summer of 2018.
I studied Industrial Design at University and joining UK Men’s Sheds Association is a meeting of three of my passions; organisational growth, increasing wellbeing and my love of craft and design.
My role is to ensure the staff team and projects are focused and delivering on the organisation’s Mission of Healthy and Happy Men.
Much of my time is spent on the acquisition and development of resources for the organisation with an aim to grow, sustain and support Men’s Sheds across the UK.
Allan Ogle
Partnerships and Community Development Manager
I live in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and when not following my football team, I spend as much spare time as I can in the incredible Peak District with my three children.
I’ve been working with communities and in the third sector for over ten years and recently in local government. I am extremely passionate about mental health and I’m blown away by the impact Men’s Sheds has on our communities across the UK and I want to help the team expand the movement and provide support to help reach more people and remind them that we are there to support them and they do not need to struggle on their own.
My role is introducing businesses and organisations to the Men’s Sheds movement and working together to create an everlasting impact and making men and their families happier.
Rachel Meadows
Volunteer and Community Development Manager
I live on the Wirral and enjoy taking full advantage of being surrounded by water. I love paddle-boarding, beach walks or a dip in the sea! I love travelling, I look forward to flying again soon… hopefully!
The best part of my job is the passion and skills that our volunteers bring to Men’s Sheds. Hearing real stories, relating to people. Sharing a laugh goes a long way in building relationships.
I’d love to see our volunteers continue to be involved in all we do; from interviewing new volunteers to sharing skills and creating content. I’d like us to feel like one team, working together to grow and promote the Shed movement.
Dirk George
Finance Manager
Dirk joined UKMSA in April and is both an accountant and an avid supporter of the Third Sector.
Dirk works for the Association one day a week and his other time is spent working with the Sport and Recreation Alliance in London.
Leo Pswarayi
Digital Communications Manager
Hi I’m Leo. I love stand-up comedy and sunny holidays, good food and good music.
I love visual mediums, photography, videography, illustration, design the lot! In my past life I’ve been a Journalist, a Media Manager and of course a Digital Creative. Working for Men’s Sheds is such a great fit for me, it allows me to do what I love whilst amplifying such a worthy cause. Helping to support Men in the mental health and wellbeing space is something I’m passionate about. I hope to get guys talking more about their health and to promote Men’s Sheds so that as many men as possible can benefit from them.
Laura Winkley
Membership and Support Manager
I’m Laura, Membership and Support Officer I joined the team in October 2017 after spending 15+ years working in the youth and community and social care sectors. It is surprising sometimes the amount of useful information from that period of time that comes in handy for Sheds! I am so grateful for Shedders who generously share their own learning, which helps me support more Sheds to grow and develop. What I love most is hearing from Sheds how they’ve transformed many people’s lives for the better.
When I’m not working behind my desk, I’m a mum of two toddlers who I love getting outside adventuring with my husband and crazy dog, or running or trying my hand at various crafts.
Bernadette McElhatton
Membership Services Administrator
I am married to a fab guy from the North East and have a wonderful 29-year-old son.
I started my working life in travel and ended up a PA to a Chief Exec before joining UKMSA in January ’21. I love working with the team who have been so welcoming and supportive.
The Shed Movement is incredible. The work Sheds do in their own communities to support men (and women) is invaluable. What’s better in life than meeting new people over a cuppa, having a laugh and making new things and mending old.
Over the years I have participated in lots of charity events and volunteered for a few years for Refuge, the Charity for women and children, against domestic violence.
My friends nickname me “Monica” from Friends!JI am a bit of a neat freak and am the organised planner in my friendship groups and a bit of a “social butterfly”
Rob Visintainer
Welsh Development Manager
I’ve been volunteering with Men’s Sheds for over 13 years and was involved with the group which became the first Men’s Shed in Wales – The Squirrel’s Nest.
In 2019 I became the project manager at Men’s Sheds Cymru – supporting the men’s shed movement in Wales. I’m glad to continue my Men’s Shed journey with UKMSA and have proudly been with them since August 2023.
I like to think that Men’s Sheds offer a ‘health by stealth’ approach to overcome mental and physical health problems. Men talk shoulder to shoulder not face to face, so they’ll have a more honest conversation if they’re working on something together. It’s how they worked in the mines and factories.
Individual sheds – which could be any building or space – are shaped and owned by their members. I’ve worked in building design and management before this, so I understand the strength of a place where you feel safe.
I really believe that community and the voice of community is essential to making a difference
Simon Poole
Welsh Shed Development Officer
I’ve been involved in the weird and wonderful world of Men’s Sheds since 2013, when I was one of the founder members of Rhyl Men’s Shed in North Wales, in Denbighshire, and for whom I’m still a Trustee, as well as currently being a member of my local Men’s Shed in Colwyn Bay.
In 2014 I was invited to join at the start of the Men’s Sheds Cymru Project, as North Wales Development Officer and have had the privilege of travelling round the North, meeting many wonderful folk and working with them to establish and support Sheds in their Communities. The amalgamation of Men’s Sheds Cymru with the UKMSA earlier this Summer seemed a natural progression.
Prior to that, I trained and worked as an Artist/Sculptor, which then lead to my being in Education for over twenty years, working across all age ranges from reception children to retirees.
When I’m not involved with Sheds, I am, alongside my wife, a Carer for one of my daughters who has multiple disabilities and when I have free time I get to ride my motorcycle through the aforementioned wonderful scenery of Wales.
Ruth Gibb-Smith
Shed Development Officer (East Midlands)
I live in Derby, and you’ll often find me pottering in my garden or allotment, kickboxing, or walking my dog.
I’ve worked for a variety of arts, education and health charities, and evenattended ShedFest a few times as a stallholder!
The best part of my role has been getting out and meeting shedders from across the East Midlands.
It’s fantastic to see the passion, craft, and camaraderie in Sheds, and I’m excited to help develop event more sheds
across the region.
Anne Whelan
Shed Development Officer (North England)
I live in Chorley, Lancashire, and have worked in the voluntary sector since 2001.
I had heard of Men’s Sheds prior to working here, and knew it was a great initiative. Having worked in and with community-based organisations for a long time, I understand the incredible impact that can be achieved by simply bringing people together and creating opportunities for learning, fun and personal connection.
Having worked in and with community-based organisations for a long time, I understand the incredible impact that can be achieved by simply bringing people together and creating opportunities for learning, fun and personal connection.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Trusts & Foundations Manager
UNDER CONSTRUCTION