Keady Men’s Shed have recently been awarded funding from The National Lottery Awards for All programme to make ‘chatty benches’ for local churches and sports clubs across the Keady area.
This cross-community initiative is part of the Shed’s ongoing commitment to create a stronger, more connected and welcoming environment for all.
It is hoped the benches will encourage connection and conversation as well as help combat isolation and loneliness in the local community.
Jimmy Hughes, Secretary of Keady Men’s Shed, said: “The benches are more than just a place to sit, they are about creating a place for meaningful interactions.
“We hope that they will remind people that even a small conversation can make a big difference in people’s lives. The members have been working together over the last few months to create them and we would like to thank the National Lottery for their support with the project.”
The idea of making benches came from the shed members themselves, as they identified the need for a high impact way to support mental health and community wellbeing locally.
They then approached a Community Development Worker in SHSCT who helped support them with the funding application. The project has already brought positive feedback from residents and organisations who can see the benefit of having them placed in various locations throughout Keady and surrounding areas.
For further information please contact Keady Men’s Shed, Unit 6, Annvale Industrial Estate, Annvale Road, Keady.
