Grant helps Beer Men Shed get new workshop

By Mark Stevens
1/11/22

Funds from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation are helping men in Beer and its surroundings towns and villages to live healthier and happier lives.

Set up in March 2019, the ‘Beer Men’s Shed’ aimed to help men suffering from loneliness, isolation and social exclusion.

Initially starting out by operating out of garages and workshops of its members, funds raised helped to build a dedicated workshop, where the group were able to prosper.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic and BREXIT caused issues along the way, the group were looking to expand and plans were put in place to build a second and larger workshop.

With support from various organisations, including the National Lottery, the group also approached the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, who following a grant application were able to offer their support to the project with a £4,000 grant.

The success of the fundraising was clear to see and in September, the second workshop was officially opened by Gayle Chapple, representing Beer Parochial Church Council, which has strongly supported the use of St Michael’s Churchyard for the new site.

Beer Men’s Shed now run three workshop sessions each week, on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 2-5pm, as well as on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.