Member Article

Housebuilders support new Petersfield organisation with £1,000

The Petersfield Men’s Shed has been given a £1,000 boost thanks to the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Community Fund.

The organisation was formed during lockdown in April 2020 and provides community spaces for those at risk of social exclusion, or are currently suffering from loneliness and isolation. These are all things that can negatively impact mental health and became particularly prevalent during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Petersfield Men’s Shed forms part of a network of sheds providing support to help each community space develop and thrive. As well as supporting the groups themselves, they also provide regional groups with advice and guidance relating to any compliance or legal issues relevant to shed operations.

They approached Barratt and David Wilson Homes seeking funding for a number of tasks, including learning new skills and forming new connections within a group environment to stave off loneliness and overcome isolation.

A spokesperson for the committee at the Petersfield Men’s Shed said: “Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women and they rarely share their concerns about health and personal worries. Retirement or becoming widowed are common factors in men becoming isolated within an otherwise active local community.

“Petersfield Men’s Shed is about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a sense of purpose and belonging. We are truly grateful to Barratt and David Wilson Homes for their support at this time.”

With charities particularly hit hard during Covid-19, it was important to Barratt Homes to ensure they supported worthy causes throughout the pandemic. Petersfield Men’s Shed is the latest organisation to benefit from the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Community Fund, which forms part of the company’s pledge to strengthen its ties with the areas in which it is building new homes. The Community Fund donates £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the local area and aims to improve the quality of life for those living in the region.

Jon Green, managing director of Barratt Homes, said: “In these uncertain times, it is more critical than ever that we continue to support the local community. Barratt Homes recognise the importance of charities in the local community as they provide much-needed support at this unprecedented time.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .