The King’s Lynn Men’s Shed provides a crucial space for men experiencing isolation and loneliness, offering community, conversation, and purpose through shared making and practical projects.

Loneliness among older people has reached unprecedented levels in 2025. According to Age UK, 270,000 older adults in England go an entire week without speaking to a friend or family member, and nine in ten report experiencing depression. Many of these individuals are men, who often find it more difficult to express feelings of loneliness or seek emotional support.

The Men’s Shed initiative creates a welcoming environment where men of all ages can forge meaningful connections, learn new skills, and regain a sense of belonging. More than a workshop, it serves as a lifeline, encouraging community resilience and improving mental wellbeing through the power of companionship.

This project was filmed in collaboration with the Church Urban Fund and Imagine Norfolk Together, whose continued work in local communities ensures that vulnerable individuals are seen, supported, and heard.