A Men’s Shed in County Tyrone has secured vital funding from Power NI, enabling it to keep providing a space for local people to connect, socialise, and learn important skills.
Based in the small village of Augher, Tully Meadow Men’s Shed is a community hub where men of different demographics can come together, in a safe place, and take old materials such as scrap metal and reclaimed wood and transform this into new items.
This is delivered through the local organisation’s hugely successful Repair Café initiative, with representatives confirming they already have plans to hold more sessions in future.
The £300 from Power NI – Northern Ireland’s largest energy provider – is awarded to help enhance a charity’s facilities and support community projects that make a difference. In this instance, the donation will help the group continue their important work in providing a welcoming space for men to connect, share skills, and improve their mental health, all whilst maintaining vibrant community gardens for everyone to enjoy.
Power NI employee, Rebecca Smith, nominated Tully Meadow to receive funding through the Helping Hands scheme after learning about the community group through her father, Harry Condy, who is now the Chairperson of Augher Men’s Shed.
“I chose the Men's Shed in Augher to receive Helping Hands funding as I feel it is such an important part of the community. It gives people somewhere to go and have a chat with another person, which is incredibly important I feel,” explained Rebecca.
“There is a stigma around men’s mental health, but this Men’s Shed is a place where men of all ages can come together, have a chat, and work on projects which benefit everyone.”
Rebecca’s father, Harry, has been a member of the group since 2023 and is currently the Chairperson. He said Power NI’s support ensures more local initiatives can be organised.
“The Men's Shed is a place where men aged 18 and over come together twice per week where we do crafts, restoration projects, upcycling and much more,” he explained. “We have also started doing a Repair Café where members of the public come in and we can repair their items for free.
“It is a very welcoming atmosphere, and I look forward to going every week. The money we have received from Power NI will greatly benefit the Men's Shed and community gardens to create more exciting projects,” he added.
The Helping Hands scheme is part of Power NI’s ongoing efforts to give back to communities across Northern Ireland, providing financial aid to local projects that promote well-being, sustainability and social inclusion.
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
