About Oakwood Neighbours Shed
From Men’s Sheds to our
Community Craft Hub.
Where it all started and
what does it all mean?
“ If you sit ten men in a circle and ask them to chat about their problems, six will disappear and the four will hide in the corners… However, if you put a broken lawnmower in the middle of them and ask them if they could help fix it, within an hour they’ll know each other’s names, their problems, how they take their tea, and you may even get the lawnmower fixed!“
Our purpose is to form a fully inclusive community workshop where people can come together to make, repair, and re-purpose items, for their own benefit or that of the local community. To that end we are looking to create a venue where we can share skills, equipment and know-how and support each other in achieving our goals. in doing so we will help improve well being, reduce loneliness, and combat social isolation among the community
The benefits of Men’s Sheds are numerous, particularly in improving the health and well-being of their members by:
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation: They provide a place for members to build friendships and social networks.
- Increasing a sense of purpose and belonging: Members can contribute their skills, learn new ones, and work on meaningful projects.
- Improving mental well-being: The supportive and engaging environment fosters confidence and reduces stress.
- Offering opportunities for skill-sharing and learning: Members can teach and learn from each other.
- Contributing to the local community: Sheds often undertake projects that benefit the wider community.
Our Story so far…
The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia in the 1980’s. The idea was to set up non-profit organisations to provide welcoming spaces where men could meet, share their stories, engage in craft and DIY activities, which would hopefully benefit their mental health and well-being. The UK movement (UK Men in Sheds) was started in 2013 and has grown to over 1000 venues.
In January 2025 four men met in a pub and a plan was hatched over a pint. They had heard about “shedding” and wanted to join one – but as there was no local shed they wondered if there would be any interest in creating a group affiliated to the UK organisation. On that night, on the back of a few pints of Marston’s pedigree, a plan was hatched.
Since that time the Oakwood Neighbours shed has grown – our Facebook page has over 190 members.
Our monthly meetings attract a regular attendance and our many pop-up events are well attended. See our News page to see what we’re up to.
Oakwood Neighbours Shed project expands upon that idea, with more inclusivity to welcome men and women, all ages are welcome too.
Our long term plan is to establish a permanent workshop – and working with the help of our Local Councillors and MP’s we have an ambitious plan to build a Community Craft hub on Derby’s Racecourse Park, Plans are well under way and funding raised for the initial phases, All that remains to get started is to get the “red tape signed off”.