“Joining Harryville Men’s Shed has enhanced my life in so many ways. I have made new friends, learnt new skills, developed my confidence and self-esteem, which has all had a positive effect on my mental health. Becoming a member of the group was, without doubt, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Davey, who first joined Harryville Men’s Shed in 2023.
The organisation has expanded its services following a £45,000 funding injection from The Gallaher Trust in 2023.
Over the last three years, the organisation’s membership has increased by 144% to 44 members, and it currently offers a suite of health and lifestyle services as well as training and educational sessions centred around coping with stress, building mental resilience and financial management. During this time:
- 45 men engaged in Men’s Shed services
- 30 men engaged in health and lifestyle projects
- 25 men engaged in training and educational services
- 93 events were hosted
The expansion of Harryville Men’s Shed’s services comes at a time when mental wellbeing remains a significant issue across Northern Ireland. The Department of Health’s Health Survey Northern Ireland 2024/25 revealed that 38% of adults reported concerns about their mental health during the previous year, while one in four exhibited signs of loneliness.
The Mental Health in Northern Ireland 2026 report, published by the Mental Health Champion in April, also highlighted that loneliness and social isolation become more common later in life — something which reinforces the importance of initiatives like Men’s Shed, according to Jim McIllroy, Project Coordinator.
“We’ve seen first-hand the profound impact that Harryville Men’s Shed has had on the lives of local men,” Jim said. “Many of those who come through our doors are looking for friendship or simply a place to belong. Through group activities, learning new skills and supporting each other, we’ve seen our members grow immeasurably in confidence and self-esteem and develop lasting friendships which have improved their overall wellbeing.
“Although conversations around mental health have become more open in recent years, many men still struggle to ask for help or express how they’re feeling. Harryville Men’s Shed offers a safe space where men can connect with others and know that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
“It’s so much more than just a place to socialise. For many of our members, Harryville Men’s Shed has been genuinely life changing, and it has been a privilege to see them living life to the fullest potential.”
One such member is 54-year-old Craig, who felt a decline in his mental health following retirement and joined Harryville Men’s Shed after encouragement from a friend.
“Before I joined Harryville Men’s Shed, I was quite withdrawn and shy but now I’m much more outgoing and talkative, and I have the confidence to involve myself in different projects,” he said. “I really look forward to chatting with the other members over a cup of coffee and I also have developed my skills through the various activities – I can now use a laser engraver and printing machine, and I’ve also developed my woodworking skills. Harryville Men’s Shed has helped me a lot and I would encourage anyone to take that first step and join.”
Meanwhile, 47-year-old Martin became a member after struggling with loneliness. “I was very nervous about joining but I was made to feel very welcome by everyone,” he commented. “I feel so much more confident and my self-esteem has also greatly improved. I have been able to learn new skills like woodworking and have shared in meaningful conversations with the other members, all of which has had a great impact on my life.”
This year, The Gallaher Trust donated a further £3,500 alongside the National Lottery, for Harryville Men’s Shed to purchase a printing machine to produce bold, detailed designs on all fabrics and garment colours, to aid the organisation’s self-funding activities.
Stephen Reynolds, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, added: “We’re so pleased to have supported Harryville Men’s Shed over the last three years and it is just wonderful to see how much the organisation has grown and developed during this time. The significant increase in membership and the expansion of its services demonstrates the real value of creating a space where men can build friendships, learn new skills and access health and wellbeing support.
“We’re particularly pleased to have been able to support the purchase of the new printing machine, which will not only provide members with an opportunity to develop new skills, but it will also help the organisation generate income and become more sustainable in the future. We wish the organisation and its members the very best of luck as they continue this important work in the local community.”
