Joining forces with UK Men’s Sheds Association to improve mental health support for veterans

We are proud to be joining forces with the UK Men's Sheds Association to help veterans get the vital mental health support they may need.

To mark the start of the collaboration, a temporary shed was built inside Portcullis House, Westminster to raise awareness among politicians about the project and the life-enhancing support it will provide.

Gail Walters, RBL’s Director of Network Engagement said:

"We were delighted to spend the morning with UKMSA in Portcullis House, marking the launch of our nationwide partnership.

"Collaboration is key for voluntary sector organisations to ensure that we achieve the best sustainable outcomes for those who use our services.

"Through working together, we can benefit from the strengths of each other, cement good working relationships and achieve the maximum impact for those who support us."

Three-year partnership

The three-year partnership will bring several benefits to the Armed Forces community, including more accessible and tailored opportunities for veterans, and increased awareness of the RBL’s support services across the national network of over 1,000 Men’s Sheds.

As well as building on the existing network of Men’s Sheds, the partnership also aims to establish new Armed Forces friendly Sheds, including Dementia Sheds linked to the RBL’s six care homes.

Charlie Bethel, Chief Executive Officer at UK Men’s Sheds Association said:

“Many Sheds in the UK have veterans in, and with the Royal British Legion we hope to increase that number by helping Sheds become more accessible, particularly for people with conditions such as PTSD.”

Supporting veterans

Former RAF electrical engineer Terry Murphy uses the Pontypridd Men’s Shed.

“I ended up without any male friends but coming to our Men’s Shed changed all of that,” he said.

“I’ve managed over the years to put my depression behind me, but when I feel it coming on, I know exactly what to do to stop it. Men’s Sheds is part of that. I’ve got 30 friends who turn up regularly at our meetings.”

“Being part of a Men’s Shed has helped me connect with civilian life, especially as we do a great deal of work with people with mental health issues,” adds Major (Retired) Rob Marshall MBE, Chair of RBL’s Addlestone branch and founder of Chertsey Men’s Shed.

“The camaraderie and humour add to the fun we have, and individuals learn new skills, repairs and household jobs.”

Working with RBL

As the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, we work with a network of strategic partners and charities to provide support for the Armed Forces community wherever and whenever they need us.

If you’d like to find out more about working with RBL, please get in touch at [email protected].