MIKE Dowsing from Tenbury is behind a scheme to help tackle the serious problem of depression and loneliness that affects many men as they get older.

He believes that that men often get forgotten as they get older and that many become very isolated and lack the social support systems that are often available to women.

It is also a problem that is especially critical in an area where there is a high proportion of older people and not the broad range of things to do and support systems often available in cities and urban areas.

Statistical evidence show older men are more vulnerable to older women to suicide partly because they are less liable to seek help or talk about their problems.

It often relates to loss of independence, the onset of health problems loss of loved ones. While women face the same issues the greater isolation makes them less able to put problems in perspective by talking to other people.

Mike, aged 69, is planning to bring the ‘Men in Sheds’ movement to the area and is looking for people who want to get involved.

“After men retire they can often become extremely lonely and isolated and this can become even worse with the passing years and perhaps if they become widowed,” said Mike.

“It is well known that men do not talk in the way that women do and there are few organisations where they can get together whereas with women there appear to be many clubs and organisations that enable them to get together socially and to do practical things.

“In some cases it can be loneliness and isolation but things can be more serious and many men suffer from depression but are less likely than women to talk about it.

“It is a fact that men are more vulnerable to suicide than women.”

To address the issue Mike is behind a plan to bring the ‘Men in Sheds’ movement to the area. It is an idea that started in Australia where there are 1,500 sheds. It is estimated that there are there are 200 of them in the UK and four in Shropshire.

“Men tend to talk shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face and the shed is somewhere they can go to do some work which might be a simple woodwork or metalwork project or something more ambitious like renovating a car.

“The shed is also a place where men can get together and talk or perhaps just drink tea but the most important thing is that it is a place where they can be together with something to do, socialise, get companionship and have a social life.”

But in order to get the project going Mike needs to find premises and a small group of men that would be interested in getting involved in the idea.

There would also be a need to get some tools and other equipment that could be installed and so Mike has made an appeal for any business or organisation that has any tools or workshop equipment that is not needed to get in touch.

“The sheds are run by the members who would pay a small subscription for the running of the building and to meet other costs,” he added.

“It will be necessary to suitable premises that could be in the Ludlow area,” he added.

“The most important thing is that the Shed would help address a very real social issue and help men to escape isolation and a sense of worthlessness that can come especially with age and result in problems like depression and other mental health issues.”

People who want to get involved or can help with premises or tolls should contact Mike on 01584 781048 or 07709 914407 or by email lms2015@btinternet.com