Plans for Gosford Community Men's Shed Inc to expand their workshop received a welcome boost this week after taking out the January round of the Greater Bank’s #GreaterCentralCoast community funding program.
The men’s support group based at Gosford Showground received $2000 for winning this month’s public vote.
Gosford Community Men's Shed Inc received a state government grant last year to expand its facility and will use this additional funding to support the project. They also plan to donate $250 to each of this month’s #GreaterCentralCoast runners-up – Meals on Wheels Central Coast and Happiness Habits – who also receive $500 for being part of the program.
Since 2009, Gosford Community Men's Shed Inc has supported men in the Gosford area and now has a membership of 72 who attend up to three days a week.
According to President, Larry Lloyd, members are from all walks of life who come together in the spirit of mateship to work on a range of community projects, but more importantly, support each other through what can be a challenging period of their life.
“Mental health and wellbeing can be a big issue for men in their 60’s and older. Plenty of men go through significant changes in their life during this period due to issues such as retirement or the loss of a partner, which can have a profound effect,” Larry said.
“The Men’s Shed provides a space where we can get together and work on a range of little projects that not only help the community but provides our members with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
“There have been many instances where men have come to us who have been really struggling, but by simply getting involved, reconnecting with like-minded men and talking, they have really been able to turn their life around.
“We are really excited about the expansion of our shed and this support from Greater Bank will help us to provide a facility that will support even more men from the Gosford area.”
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said he was delighted to see the #GreaterCentralCoast program support such a wide variety of groups that are meeting genuine needs within the local community.
“Mental health and wellbeing is an issue that affects people of all ages and Gosford Community Men's Shed Inc is doing a wonderful job in supporting elderly men in particular who are experiencing these types of personal struggles,” Josh said.
“Greater Bank services many customers in this demographic so it’s great that through this program we can expand our support to these people beyond their banking experience.”
The #GreaterCentralCoast program continues in February with East Gosford Community Garden, P & P Quilters Wyong and San Remo BMX Club being nominated for funding.