New president Len McGuigan is delighted with the funding.
The Yass Valley Men’s Shed has been awarded a $10,000 grant by the NSW government.
Men’s Shed president Len McGuigan said it was a great thing for the local shed.
“We’re very pleased that they are doing this sort of thing and helping, not just the sheds and not just men,” Mr McGuigan said.
Burrinjuck MP Katrina Hodgkinson recently announced the grant, congratulating the Yass Valley Men’s Shed and said the good work they are doing is an example to Men’s Sheds across NSW.
The funding follows a visit to the shed by NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, last week.
Mr Humphries said Men’s Sheds were a powerful tool in reaching out to men in the community, particularly those who may have a mental illness or be at risk of developing a mental illness.
“By bringing men together in a social environment and providing them with a purpose, Men’s Sheds are playing an extremely important role in combating issues such as loneliness, which can be a trigger for mental illness,” Mr Humphries said.
“…I cannot speak highly enough of the wonderful work they are doing to promote social inclusion among men and providing a practical way of dealing with men’s health issues.
“This funding will be used to purchase vital tools for the workshop and to help increase the garden’s production.
“It will also allow the shed to develop and run exercise classes for its members and the wider Yass Valley community," she said.