Today marks the launch of a partnership with Ellandi – an agency that manages retail and town centre spaces – who have selected us as their Charity of the Year. As well as raising funds for UK Men’s Sheds, the team at Ellandi will be helping to provide access to vacant premises within the 26 shopping centres that they are responsible for across the UK. These will provide opportunities for existing Sheds, and those in development, to offer drop-in sessions that will help to attract new members and to spread the message about the work of the Men’s Sheds movement. In addition, specialists from the company will be able to provide advice and guidance to Sheds in areas such as reviewing property leases, basic organisational accountancy and leadership/succession planning.
David Meli, Partnerships & Community Development Manager for UKMSA, said; “We’re delighted to have been chosen as Ellandi’s Charity of the Year. Working together, we will aim to raise awareness about the benefits of Men’s Sheds in supporting the health and well-being of men and combatting the effects of loneliness and depression. Utilising spaces in shopping centres provides the opportunity of replicating the success of Bootle Tool Shed in showcasing activities, and bringing the Men’s Shed message, to a new and more diverse audience.”
David Payling, Chief Operating Officer for Ellandi, adds, “Loneliness affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds and, while most of us will have experienced some feelings of being lonely at one time or another, the pandemic has acted as a trigger for chronic loneliness among a much greater proportion of the population than before. Men’s Sheds is a fantastic charity raising awareness and taking action to create networks that reduce loneliness and isolation. I’m excited to launch our partnership with Men’s Sheds, especially in Mental Health Awareness Week, and I look forward to seeing first-hand the work they do in our shared communities.”
We’ll keep members updated on opportunities as they arise and seek to ensure that as many of our Sheds as possible are able to benefit from this exciting partnership.