Chai Brady
Tom McCleary Chairpersons from local Men’s Sheds from across Ireland say they are struggling to find funding and stay afloat.
With help from the local community and the Church some have managed to continue but several have reportedly closed across Dublin and Cork, which could just be the tip of the iceberg according to organisers.
This comes as the Government has cut funding for the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) by 7%, amounting to €18,700. The HSE confirmed the order was followed after a decision by the Government to apply cuts to Section 39 Grant Aid Funding and to the Health and Wellbeing Division.
Tom McCleary of Bandon Men’s Shed in Cork said they have received little to no funding from the IMSA anyway.
“What people don’t realise is the amount of help that the sheds offer to men in general, especially on things like depression and mental health,” he said.
“The time these sheds start falling away, you’re never going to get them back again.”
He added that many Men’s Sheds help the local community, and much of the support they receive is from local businesses and individuals.
“We do a good bit of work, we help people in the community, help old people with fixing their furniture, do a bit of gardening or do something,” he said.