RONSEAL TEAMS UP WITH CHANNEL 4 AND RUMPUS MEDIA TO CELEBRATE THE MEN’S SHED ASSOCIATION AND THE POWER OF DIY IN AN EMOTIONAL DOCUMENTARY

 Ronseal is celebrating the work of the Men’s Shed Association in a powerful new film, 'The Shed', produced by Rumpus Media, in partnership with Channel 4 studio 

Launched to mark Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week, it features an emotional interview with Joe Regan, whose son Jackson was tragically stillborn in 2019. Joe visits his local Men’s Shed in Camden, North London and openly talks to other members about his experience and the struggles he’s faced. He’s also seen being helped to make a sentimental memory box for the little boy he lost, and for his second son, who has just arrived in April 2021.

The Men’s Shed Association has been providing safe and welcoming spaces for men to get together and talk since 2013, and now has more than 500 sheds across the UK. Members come together to enjoy the social element, as well as use the workshop’s facilities and share practical skills. The Sheds across the country have proven invaluable in boosting the moral and improving the overall wellbeing of its members.

Joe admits that spending time at a shed and sharing skills and tools to create something special for his family has been a hugely positive experience. As he explains to craftsman, Joel Bird, and fellow shedder, Mick Tague, losing his son caused him to struggle with his mental health so much that he contemplated suicide. He says: “You feel the need to be strong for your partner but sometimes you need someone to ask how you’re doing. “It led to me to think about taking my own life. That was the reality of bottling things up - it got to that stage. When a bloke says they’re not in a good place, we all need to support it.”

 As craftsman, Joel, explains: “Places like this are great – you don’t have to be talking a lot but even a little amount can stop that lock up of emotions. 

For more information on the Men’s Shed Association, and to watch the video, visit menssheds.org.uk.