During the COVID-19 pandemic, Salford Foundation launched The Shed Project to support vulnerable and socially isolated men in Salford. This initiative was inspired by the success of the Foundation’s women’s centre, which employs a holistic approach to address the needs of those facing multiple barriers.
The Shed Project was designed to replicate this model, tailored specifically for men, using new strategies to encourage engagement and support their well-being.
The Shed Project piloted innovative ways of engaging men, including promoting healthy lifestyles, sports, DIY workshops, arts, cultural, and social activities. The project was driven by the needs and interests of the men themselves, with service users taking an active role in shaping the activities through focus groups facilitated by Salford Foundation staff and corporate volunteers.
This participatory approach has allowed the project to evolve in a way that directly reflects the interests and needs of the men involved.
The primary goal of The Shed Project was to improve health and wellbeing, and by 2022/23, 68% of participants reported improvements in this area. Beyond this, the initiative achieved a range of other important outcomes, including:
Enhanced personal, social, and communication skills
Improved digital literacy and inclusion
Strengthened employability skills
Better financial management and debt reduction
Since its inception, The Shed Project has significantly expanded its reach. In 2020/21, the project supported 75 men, and by December 2023, it had helped a total of 575 men.
The Shed Project has also become a valuable resource for engaging with local businesses. Many employers have contributed to the project through volunteering, in-kind donations, and other forms of support. These partnerships have helped sustain and grow the initiative, extending its benefits to a broader range of participants.
Building on the success of The Shed Project, Salford Foundation has introduced a Creative Health Worker role dedicated to supporting men with complex mental and physical health needs. This role focuses on engaging socially isolated men through arts, culture, and environmental activities. By offering therapeutic, strength-based group activities, the Creative Health Worker aims to support 100 men each year, further enhancing the wellbeing and social connections of vulnerable individuals in Salford.
