Men's Shed: Far More than a Man Cave

Photos and Words by Charlotte Steeples

Nestled on the edge of Ore Village lies an unassuming building. It may look like an ordinary workshop from the outside, but inside, the Hastings & St Leonards Men’s Shed is quietly rewriting the narrative of ageing and loneliness in East Sussex. In this corner of Hastings something remarkable is being built – not just beautifully crafted birdboxes and clocks, but friendships, purpose, and hope.

The story of the Shed began in 2016, when a dedicated group led by the trustees of the Ore Community Centre recognised a gap in their local support network. They saw older men – many of them retired, widowed, or battling the quiet burden of depression – withdrawn from the world around them and decided to create a local solution to a universal problem. What started as a relatively small project gained traction quickly and today the workshop has nearly 200 members.

At its core, the Shed is about connection. It provides a fully equipped space for woodworking and metalwork, but beyond the tools and workbenches lies something less visible but even more vital: a sense of belonging.

Jim, a mechanical engineer by trade explains:

“It’s an escape from four walls – you come here, have a cup of tea and a chat, a laugh and a joke. That’s what it’s all about.” 

When he began working for himself, Jim found he missed the banter and camaraderie that came with being part of a workshop: “I was used to working around other people, and when I started on my own, I missed that interaction. Here, there’s always someone to talk to and bounce ideas off.”

The Shed welcomes anyone aged between 18 and 90, although the majority are retired or semi-retired men. Women attend too, as do individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and early-stage dementia. The focus is on inclusion – everyone brings something to the table, whether it’s their expertise or just eagerness to get involved.

For Ralph, who is finding it harder to get around due to physical issues, the Shed offers a new sense of purpose: “It’s given me something to do. I can’t get about much these days, but I travel from Hollington on the bus to come here.”

In a world that often moves too fast and overlooks the vulnerable, the Hastings Men’s Shed offers a simple alternative: time, connection and the chance to build something meaningful, together.

“It’s an escape from four walls – you come here, have a cup of tea and a chat, a laugh and a joke. That’s what it’s all about.” 

Robert, who’s been attending for seven weeks, describes the Shed as a warm, welcoming space: “I come for the ‘bonhomie’ – it’s a bit of sanctuary. If you don’t want to do anything, you don’t have to. It’s just a very pleasant place to come and hang out.”

Pat, who’s been a regular for over two years, captures the Shed’s simplest pleasure: “I come for a bit of lunch and a natter.” While he has used the workshop in the past, these days he comes mainly for the friendship and conversation.

The positive psychological and physical effects of the Shed are not accidental; they are deeply embedded in its mission. Social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older adults, can lead to depression and illness. By creating a structured, welcoming environment where people can contribute and connect, the Men’s Shed reduces pressure on healthcare systems. GPs and care workers can refer patients to the Shed as part of their recovery plans. It’s no exaggeration to say the Shed saves lives.

The Hastings & St Leonards Men's Shed is seeking grant funding to purchase the building it operates from, helping to secure its future and significantly reduce running costs.

With strong community support and existing funds set aside, additional backing will enable the Shed to continue providing its vital services to those who need them most.