UKMSA joins forces with Wickes to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds

10th January 2023

UKMSA joins forces with Wickes to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds
The UK Men’s Sheds Association is delighted to announce a link up with Wickes, one of the UK’s largest DIY retailers, to help raise the profile of the Men’s Sheds movement.

From 9th January, posters promoting Men’s Sheds will be placed at till points and back of house areas within all of Wickes’ 236 stores to enable customers and staff to find out more about UKMSA and its members. By using a QR code, people will be able to link through directly to the UKMSA website to learn more about the activities on offer and also to find the location of their nearest Shed.

In addition, Wickes will be signing the UKMSA Charter for Wellbeing in Craft & DIY that was launched in 2022 to improve the wellbeing of everyone involved in the sector. Signatories pledge to:

Connect and look out for each other’s health and overall wellbeing,
Create positive and safe environments for everyone, and
Promote opportunities for people who may need help.
 

Sonia Astill, Chief People Officer at Wickes, said; “Wickes is always looking at ways to support our fantastic customers by promoting great causes and when approached, we were keen to support the ‘Charter for Wellbeing in Craft and DIY’. 

Wickes have created an internal culture where our colleagues are encouraged to talk openly, without judgement, about how they are feeling. We recognise that being able to ‘open up’ about one's feelings is a great way to help and that’s why we’re keen to help spread this message.

By promoting UKMSA facilities to our colleagues and customers alike, we hope to continue to challenge stigma and promote open conversation.”

Charlie Bethel, Chief Officer of UKMSA, commented; “We are delighted to be working alongside Wickes to support the wellbeing of their customers and staff. This partnership will provide a tremendous boost to more people finding out about Men’s Sheds and how to access them.

Whether people are wanting to make something for themselves, the community or are just fed up of staring at the same four walls; the Men’s Shed is transformational. They allow people to connect and create and this partnership will enable more people to connect with the 1,000+ Sheds across the UK and hopefully inspire the development of more Sheds in the coming years."

UKMSA plan to support the training of advocates from amongst the staff within Wickes stores who can help to offer advice and guidance on the Men’s Sheds movement to their customers and colleagues.