Medway Men in Sheds Expansion Backed by Council Funding Boost

Medway Council has announced a significant funding increase for the Medway Men in Sheds programme, supporting expansion of the popular community initiative delivered by The Sunlight Development Trust.

Annual funding for the scheme has increased from £50,000 to £80,000, following the award of a new three-year contract commencing 1 April 2026. The enhanced investment will enable the programme to launch additional groups and reach more residents across Medway.

New groups joining the initiative

The expansion will introduce a Women in Sheds Group, running on Tuesdays, alongside a new Men’s ‘walk and talk’ group launching on Saturdays. An LGBTQIA+ Book Club is also set to be announced shortly. The initiative remains free to join for anyone aged 18 and over who is unemployed or retired and lives in Medway.

The programme, established in 2014, currently supports over 100 registered members, known as ‘shedders’, who participate in weekly activities led by volunteer participants. Current offerings include community garden projects, woodwork, music production, poetry, podcasting, engineering, and a dedicated men’s health group.

Tackling male mental health concerns

Councillor Teresa Murray, Medway Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, emphasised the scheme’s importance in addressing men’s mental health challenges. “Extra funding and the new contract for Men in Sheds is great news, both for those already involved in the project and for all those new members who are set to experience the fantastic benefits of joining in,” she said.

According to the council, research consistently demonstrates that active participation in men’s sheds programmes leads to enhanced mental health, reduced stress levels, and a stronger sense of belonging. The initiatives provide vital forums for sharing health information and combating social isolation.

Supporting the wider community

The programme operates from two locations: a refurbished shipping container workspace behind the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham and a communal garden on Ottway Street, Gillingham. The garden, formerly associated with anti-social behaviour, has been transformed into a community haven through the efforts of project members.

Mirelle Frost, Chief Executive of the Sunlight Development Trust, praised project coordinator Chris White’s contributions to the expansion. “We are so proud of our Medway Men in Sheds Project which has flourished to support over 100 registered shedders who teach new skills, knowledge and confidence to others six days a week,” she said.

Key Takeaways

• Annual funding for Medway Men in Sheds has increased from £50,000 to £80,000 following a new three-year council contract
• New groups include Women in Sheds, Men’s ‘walk and talk’ sessions, and an upcoming LGBTQIA+ Book Club
• Over 100 registered participants currently benefit from weekly activities including woodwork, music production, gardening, and health support

What This Means for Kent Residents

If you are aged 18 or over, unemployed or retired, and live in Medway, you can join Medway Men in Sheds free of charge. Contact The Sunlight Development Trust or visit their locations in Gillingham to discover what activities are available and how to get involved.