Step-by-Step Final Project Conference
Wellbeing People got together with experts from nine organisations to present their findings and a new model of the Shed concept at an online event, on Friday 8 October.
Step-by-Step Project researchers worked with more than 80 groups across the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands to develop a new Men’s Shed concept. Since then, it has been adopted by groups of all ages and backgrounds and promotes health and wellbeing through peer-support and autonomy.
Step-by-Step evaluator Andy Wood, from Chichester, said: “We will be revealing the results from the last four years and show how the project is making a difference to men facing poor mental and physical health.
“The Men’s Shed model is highly transferable in this country and beyond and our new concept is empowering men to re-engage with society and employment. Those involved in the study told us they have benefitted from improved knowledge and skills and feel happier and more confident.”
Through research, it was found that men suffering from high-risk loneliness benefitted mentally by engaging in community activities and being trained in different skills. The preliminary report was published last year and showed that men’s mental health improved significantly with this initiative. It also found most members enrolled in this concept for social opportunities, which lead to new relationships, increased feelings of self-worth and lower rates of loneliness.
Alice Chapman-Hatchett, Director of the Health and Europe Centre, said: “This project shows the importance of working collaboratively across countries, pooling expertise to improve health outcomes for citizens in practical ways. The Health and Europe Centre is delighted to have been able to develop and co-ordinate such a successful project.”
