Looe Shedders is a local charity bringing people together to make friends, share skills, learn something new and put those skills to good use in our community.
Inspired by the worldwide Men’s Sheds movement, we held our first meeting in February 2021 and have since grown to 76 registered members.
Registered Charity No. 1208819
76 Members | Established 2021 | Supporting Looe | Now We Need a Permanent Home
More Than Just a Workshop
At the heart of Looe Shedders is a simple idea:
People are happier and healthier when they have friendship, purpose and somewhere they belong.
Our members meet to socialise, work on their own projects, learn new skills and share a lifetime
of knowledge and experience.
For some, it is about making things. For others, it's about getting out of the house, meeting people and having a chat over a cup of tea.
For many, it's both.
Helping Our Community
Our work doesn't stop at the workshop door.
We undertake practical projects for schools, care homes, charities and community organisations around Looe.
We also run a Repair Café, helping local people repair items rather than throw them away.
Recycling is an important part of what we do. We restore donated tools, reuse materials wherever possible and give useful items a new lease of life.
Local GP surgeries also refer people to us who may benefit from the friendship, activity and sense of purpose that being a Shedder can provide.
Why Shedders Matters
Being part of Looe Shedders can provide:
Friendship and companionship
A sense of purpose and belonging
Improved confidence and wellbeing
Opportunities to learn new skills
A chance to share existing skills and experience
The satisfaction of helping the wider community
Sometimes the most important thing we make isn't something from wood or metal. It's friendship.
What Our Members Say
“When I retired, I thought it was a shame that all my skills and experience would no longer be useful, but with Shedders, I can use them and share them with others.”
– Leo
“A great opportunity not only to meet new people and make new friends, but also a chance to learn many new skills and get involved with projects that benefit the local community.”
– Mary
“It’s amazing how much we get done, considering how much time members spend chatting.”
– Chris
Our Biggest Challenge
Looe Shedders has the members, skills, tools and enthusiasm to do much more.
What we don't have is a permanent home so we currently operate from several temporary locations, including a generously loaned workshop on the Barbican.
We must leave that workshop by 31 March 2027.
Without a replacement, our ability to support our members and undertake projects for the community will be severely restricted.
We Need a Permanent Home
We are looking for a suitable building or land in or around Looe where we can establish a permanent workshop and community space.
A permanent home would allow us to support more people, provide more training, expand our Repair Café, undertake more community projects and secure the long-term future of Looe Shedders.
We have the people.
We have the skills.
We have the tools.
We have the enthusiasm.
Now we need somewhere to call home
If you can offer land, a building, financial support, sponsorship or simply know someone who might be able to help, we would love to hear from you.
Join Us
Looe Shedders is open to adults aged 18 and over.
Membership currently costs just £2 per session or £40 per year, including the all-important tea, coffee and biscuits.
Financial hardship should never prevent someone from joining us, so fees can be waived where necessary.
Come along, have a cuppa, meet the Shedders and see what we're about.
Friendship. Skills. Purpose. Community.
