An Aberdeenshire men’s shed will throw open its doors to anyone needing somewhere warm to go this winter.
Westhill Men’s Shed will launch its new warm places initiative tomorrow at its base on Hay’s Way.
With the rising cost of energy and high inflation making it difficult for many people to warm their homes and buy sufficient food, the shed will be opening its doors for a few hours each week to adults in the community.
As well as having somewhere warm to spend a few hours, it’ll be a space to socialise and take part in activities such as board games, pool and cards. A hot lunch, teas, coffees and snacks will also be on offer.
The weekly drop-ins will run on Tuesdays from 11am to 3pm, for three months. It is open to men and women aged 18 and over, and is completely free.
Local businesses to support warm spaces
Westhill Men’s Shed chairman Marty Kehoe said: “When we added our new extension to the shed in 2019/20 we included a great new kitchen in our enlarged social area. Warm Place will be located in this social area and the new kitchen enables us to provide the hot meal.
“Westhill Rotary has stated that it is keen to be involved with this initiative and the shed welcomes their help. We will also be supported by several retail outlets who will provide us with some low or zero cost food.”
The men’s shed – named the best in Scotland last year – is keen to hear from any other businesses who can help support the initiative.
Trustee Stuart Ellis added: “Depending on the take-up from the community, we hope this can be extended for a further three months and then repeated each winter annually.
“If public demand is high, we have the option to add further hours and possibly an additional day.”
During the warm place sessions, there will not be any workshop activities taking place.
Aside from the warm place sessions, the Westhill Men’s Shed opens Mondays 10am-4pm, Wednesdays 2pm-8pm and Fridays 10am-4pm. The SheShed runs from 6pm until 8.30pm on alternate Monday evenings.
To find out more, call 01224 917345.
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