• Charity No. 19928 | Phone No. 0818 900 800

    • Men’s sheds around Ireland urged to close and maintain connection through other means

    The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), the representative body for men’s sheds in Ireland, has today recommended that all men’s sheds in Ireland close until 29th March and seek other means to connect with one another.

    The announcement is made following the statement from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities close from 6pm tonight, 12th March.

    Speaking on the recommendation, CEO of IMSA Barry Sheridan said:

    “This recommendation is being advised for the good of our members’ health, the health of their loved ones and wider community.

    “Sheds play a vital role in addressing loneliness and isolation in our society, they provide a connection for many men across Ireland. This connectedness can still continue, even during this difficult time.

    “We are urging members to seek alternative means of connecting with one another, and check in those who are particularly isolated. We are asking that sheds set up WhatsApp groups or check in through phone. We also encourage a ‘buddy system’, whereby one shed member is responsible for checking in with another. This system will help ensure that members, particularly those that are living alone, are not isolated during this difficult period.

    “We also ask that shedders, and the wider public, seek advice and information from official sources, particularly the HSE and Department of Health.”

    The Irish Men’s Sheds Association office will continue to operate as normal and can be reached for support and information on 01 891 6150 or at info@menssheds.ie.

    -ENDS-

    For more information, please contact:

    Andrew Rooney
    Communications Officer
    M: 086 022 4535
    Email: andrew@menssheds.ie

    Website: www.menssheds.ie
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irishmensshedsassociation
    Twitter: @IrishSheds

    Notes to the Editor:

    About the Irish Men’s Sheds Association

    The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) is a member-based organisation and registered charity, having been founded in 2011. The organisation aims to support the development of men’s sheds throughout Ireland and acts as a representative body to carry the message and ethos of men’s sheds onto the national stage.

    There are over 450 men’s sheds across the whole of Ireland, with over 10,000 men attending a shed every week.

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