The subject of the impact of loneliness on mental health is perhaps one that doesn’t deserve the attention it should.

Older men become more susceptible as they age, as their social circles shrink when they leave work, they’re less able to do sport and, inevitably, friends die.

The charity Live at Home identified that older men needed a place to socialise and have fun together - but it’s fun with a purpose.

There are three similar groups in the island, one in the south, one in Peel and Live at Home’s is based in Ramsey.

It was established in 2017 and is based in the grounds of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

As the name suggests, it was initially aimed at men, however Live at Home is looking at a pilot scheme to include women too.

The members can get together from 9.30am to 4pm on Monday to Thursday.

The shed is a workshop for creative projects involving metalwork, carpentry, and other skills. But members can just meet for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, or for a game of cards.

The concept, which was originally developed in Australia, has proven to be effective in helping to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness among older men.

The ‘shed’ aims to become established as a hub for many other groups and community activities on the Isle of Man and workshops aimed specifically at women in the community are being planned.

The Men in Sheds project has grown from strength to strength and now plans are under way to build a greenhouse, which it’s hoped with encourage men with other interests to get involved.

It isn’t only the ‘men’ who benefit from the use of the shed, family members benefit too, Jackie, the daughter of John, the organisation’s newest member, said: ‘My dad looks forward to coming to Men in Sheds, it’s like a lifeline for him.

‘He’s worked all his life and isn’t one for sitting around doing nothing. I think having somewhere to go where he can laugh and joke with other men is keeping him going. It makes me happy to know he’s got something to do three days per week. ‘Unfortunately, dad isn’t impressed it’s not open for seven days a week!’

Nigel, another member, said: ‘It keeps my head busy with thinking of things to do or make, I try to come up with projects that are easy and practical, its always a good laugh here.

‘I simply enjoy it.’

Adrian: ‘I was a bit worried after retiring last year to fill my time, Paul who organises us does a fantastic job, as a 72-year-old man I like to keep active, and I look forward to coming down.’

Paul, the Men in Sheds co-ordinator, feels that is always a joy to be at the shed with the members, seeing them interact with each other and knowing they are happy their skills or learn new ones for the benefit of others.

He said: ‘We plan to include a “handyman service” which will operate form the shed.

‘We never forget how important social inclusion and eliminating loneliness is, with that in mind we will be including social trips out in our minibus for all our members. Loneliness and isolation have the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

‘We do need to raise funds to purchase another shed that we can use for storage as we have outgrown.

‘Our current building isn’t disabled friendly because of all the equipment and wood etc we need to keep.

‘This is something we want to rectify soon and finding funding for this is vital. We have also been given a greenhouse and help and assistance by way of sponsorship for the concrete base or putting it up is also something we badly need.

‘Men who have been coming here have found friends and something to do creatively and they give something back to the community as they repair / make commission pieces of work whilst also building things to raise much needed funds for the charity.

‘Members have found a sense of purpose that perhaps they weren’t getting before they joined.

‘It’s important to recognise that men and women communicate differently, and men sometimes struggle to find things of interest.’