A PROJECT to support men's mental health has been given a funding boost.

A cheque for £750 has been donated to the 'men in sheds' project at Muncaster Castle, by the UK Commandery of the international Order of Saint Joachim and its charitable arm, the Saint Joachim Trust.

The building, which is currently being fitted out with a workshop inside was provided for use by the Muncaster Estate.

Muncaster Community Shed project manager Tom Dalziel, has been spearheading the project and was “amazed” by the early interest from the local community.

He said: "The Muncaster community shed project is a community joint venture with local charities and businesses, to reuse a kindly donated outbuilding from the Pennington family’s Muncaster Castle estate, to become a workshop with precision tools such as a lathe.

"A learning space for skills development including carpentry, up-cycling, repair and horticulture, along with being as a safe space to talk, share experiences and make friends.

"The need for this kind of facility in this local area is acute, as the mission of the Muncaster community shed, is to combat the alarming rise in Cumbria of isolation and loneliness, and the resulting impact on mental and physical health.

“The shed will also be a positive space for the local ex forces and veterans community.

"The Seascale and Sellafield branch of the Royal British Legion, was one of the first of the local charities to spot the potential of the shed."

Its chairman Jason Rushworth, was at the cheque handing over event. He said: "The shed is under the Armed Forces Covenant, so it will be a local hub for veterans who may have injuries from service or PTSD.

"The shed will work with our local Seascale and Sellafield Royal British Legion branch, to run surgeries to help get local vulnerable veterans signposted to as much assistance as they need.

"The money kindly donated by the Order of St. Joachim will pay for a private safe space just outside the shed building with tables and chairs for counselling, learning, reflection and relaxation space, amongst the picturesque natural beauty of the Muncaster Estate.

“We welcome this additional scope which can now be afforded because of the kind donation from the OSJ charity. The shed will directly increase the capacity to help the veteran's community around here."

Iona Frost-Pennington, the hereditary owner and estate manager of Muncaster Castle, said: "We are delighted the space is getting so much support and will be used to help the community.”

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