Medway Men in Sheds

Our members all live in Medway and are not just retired men. The criteria to join is ‘not in work’, so a large number are of working age from 18 up.


Medway men in sheds serves as vital sanctuary significantly contributing to the improvement of men’s health and the well-being. Within the walls of these free shed sessions 5 days a week, tailored by the men to suit different interests, men find a haven for purposeful engagement, social interaction, and skill development. Studies have consistently shown that active participation in ‘men’s sheds’ leads to enhanced mental health, reduced stress levels, and a sense of belonging among members. As a result, these positive effects ripple through the wider community, promoting healthier opportunities, enabling positive changes for people and planet and alleviating the strain on primary healthcare services, including GP waiting times.

The cultivated sense of camaraderie and purpose triggers members to engage in more health-conscious behaviours and the phenomenon of ‘5 steps to mental wellbeing‘ naturally occurs. Directly, sessions bridge the gap by providing crucial health information sourced externally and internally through pier support to men who might not otherwise seek or access such resources. Indirectly, the sessions help combat the dire consequences of social isolation, elevating men’s self-esteem, enhancing physical health, bolstering mental well-being, and ultimately encouraging a proactive approach to a more positive and meaningful use of time.

Linoprint workshop activity in January

To come to sessions you have to apply for membership and talk to us about what kind of activities you would like to get involved with – so just email, phone or drop in for a chat.

Every week we offer at least 7 themed sessions with opportunities to participate in a range of activities based on the interests of members:

• Monday – music tuition and audio engineering

• Tuesday – gardening and grow to eat – Gillingham – Otway St

+ Electrical engineering at the Creative Cabin – Chatham – Nucleus Arts

• Wednesday – woodcraft and workshop build

• Thursday – men’s health, chat and games

+ M-Power 18 – 25 Tai chi, psycho-cybernetics and podcasting – Rochester

•  Friday – design, engineering, electronics and woodwork.

Also: • community radio • group socials • special creative workshops • group visits • event stalls • training

Medway men in sheds is commissioned by A Better Medway who are dedicated to support the development of this scheme and a broad range of organisations who we collaborate with and refer people to.

Watch the video below for a glimpse into the kinds of activities we provide at Sunlight:

Photos from shed activities

Medway men in sheds contact form:

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Phone: 01634 581511
Email: medwaymeninsheds@sunlighttrust.org.uk