CONSTRUCTIVE chat took place alongside actual woodwork during the first meeting of a new Men’s Shed group at a care home near Taunton.

Residents at Beauchamp House, in Village Road, Hatch Beauchamp, set up the club to boost opportunities for male residents to socialise.

Chantal, the home’s activities lead, was assisted by Roy and Terry from The Parrett Community Shed for the first Beauchamp House Men’s Shed session, which will meet monthly.

It was inspired by resident Chris, who was previously a member of The Parrett Community Shed before moving to Beauchamp House care home.

He spoke to the other residents at the care home about how much joy he got out of being part of the community project, who were keen to form their own club onsite.

Chantal said: “Through conversations with Chris to learn about his personal interests and hobbies, we heard how much he enjoyed being part of The Parrett Community Shed.

“We wanted to start our own and were so pleased at the response we got from the other men who were excited to join in.

“The first meeting was such a huge success as the residents were chatting, singing, telling jokes, and having a laugh.”

She added: “One of our newest residents has been unsure about leaving his room and socialising with others since moving in, so it was heartwarming to see that he was one of the first to arrive for the Men’s Shed meeting and made some new friends.”

During the first meeting, the residents made a wooden flower planter using pre-cut wooden pieces prepared by members of The Parrett Community Shed. Afterwards, they sat together to enjoy a beer and a chat while marvelling at their newly-made creations.

Reflecting on the meeting, resident Chris said: “It was so nice to get together with the other residents and lovely to see Roy and Terry again.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of a Men’s Shed again.”

Another resident, Colin, added: “I really enjoyed it as it was nice to do something different at the Men’s Shed.”

There are around 900 Men’s Sheds across the UK, which promote wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation while the members use their practical skills to build, fix and restore items.

Terry, from The Parrett Community Shed, said: “We were pleased to be invited to help launch the Beauchamp House Men’s Shed following the success of our own group.

“It was lovely to see Chris again and to see the residents happily working on wooden flower planters.

“Over the coming months, we have lots of ideas for them including making some outdoor flower planters and bird boxes, which they can put up in the home’s garden.”

Beauchamp House is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, and provides specialist residential, respite, and nursing care.

For more information, go to care-south.co.uk, or call Care South on 01202 712463.