Welcome to Men's Den

There are no strangers here, only friends you have not met yet

Blaenau Gwent, South Wales

If you feel in crisis right now, help is available please click the link

UKMSA Shed of the Year 2025

On Thursday 27th November 2025, we were invited to Westminster, London, UK — Men’s Den gained national recognition at this year’s UK Men’s Sheds Awards which celebrated the outstanding achievements of Shedders and community projects across the nation.

The prestigious title of UK Shed of the Year 2025 was awarded to Men’s Den Blaenau Gwent. We were commended for strengthening community ties by embracing diverse projects and member needs, including podcasting and growing our Ladies group for craft and emotional support. The standout intergenerational project saw the creation of a mini golf course built by Shedders with boys from the local school – aimed at improving school attendance and going on to be used by over 1,000 students – demonstrating our commitment to social inclusion, wellbeing, and innovative community engagement.

We have two active groups:
Men’s Den and Ladies Lounge.
We meet every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 10am – 12noon (sometimes later,) at Blaina Community Sports Centre.

We have our own “Shed” in the grounds, this is our base for: Woodwork, gardening, walk & talk craft sessions, etc.

Pop in to see us one day. We’ll get the kettle on!

Would you like to provide a presentation to our group? Get in touch.

On 11th March 2024 we became a registered Charity in the UK.

Our Charity name is now Men’s Shed Blaenau Gwent. Number 1207381

We will continue to use our working names of Men’s Den and Ladies Lounge on our social media and website.

We can now continue the great work we have always done, plus we can fundraise and make donations to individuals or other worthwhile groups.

Membership Options

We have two options for members. We feel this is the best way for the club to offer a way of supporting our activities and supporting our members.

Social Member

This is ideal for new members who want to “Try before you buy”.

Also, members who may enjoy a cuppa and chat to meet new friends and have other commitments on their time.

£2 per meeting

Benefits:

- No commitment. Come to as often as you wish.
- Option to attend trips, if there is space.
- Men’s Den name badge.
- Men’s Den pen.

Active Member

This is ideal for members who want to get involved with the many projects and activities we offer.
This includes the benefits of social membership plus much more.

£2 per meeting
£20 One off Payment

Benefits:

Men’s Den branded fleece or hoodie top.
Men’s Den pen.
Men’s Den Water Bottle
Men’s Den name badge.
Access to our projects: Woodworking, Glass Fusion, Allotment/Gardening, many more, inc day trips & events.
Money off vouchers for many tools and accessory companies.

Information from UK men's shed association

UKMSA Charity Partners include:

Zero Suicide Alliance: https://zerosuicidealliance.com/

Royal British Legion: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk

Centre for Ageing Better: https://ageing-better.org.uk

Men’s Health Forum: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Background Information

Men’s Sheds work

96% of Shedders felt less lonely after joining a Men’s Shed
89% of Shedders reported to be less depressed.
75% of Shedders reported to be less anxious.
97% of Shedders made new friends after joining a Men’s Shed.
88% of Shedders felt more connected to their community.
39% of Sheds report that they have either saved a life (25%) or believe they have saved a life (14%)

Over 1,100 Men’s Sheds across the UK that is over 33,000 Shedders.

UKMSA was founded in 2013 and celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year.

What is a Men’s Shed?
Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together (many Sheds also have women members too). They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. Find out more about them.

What do people do in Men’s Sheds?
Their members decide on what they do. Men’s Sheds are community spaces where men gather to engage in various practical activities, share skills, and foster social connections. The activities at a Men’s Shed can vary based on the interests and preferences of the members, but here are some common activities that men typically participate in at a Men’s Shed: Woodworking and Carpentry, Metalworking, Gardening and Horticulture, DIY and Home Improvement, Electronics and Technology, Arts and Crafts, Music making, Gaming and Hobbies, Socialising and Conversation, Skill Sharing and Workshops, Community Projects, Health and Wellbeing Activities and drinking tea!

For more information visit our Frequently asked questions section of our website.

https://menssheds.org.uk/faq/

About Men's den BG

We meet every:
Monday 10am – 12pm
Tuesday 2pm – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 12pm
Thursday 10am – 12pm.
In the Shed. Woodworking, Crafts, tea & chat etc.

Wednesday 10am – 12noon. Social meeting in the Clubhouse, games talks etc.

We have a range of activities and projects available.
Social meeting (Tea & Chat)
Tai Chi.
Walk & Talk.
Day Trips, Bowling etc.
Woodworking.
Gardening.
Glass Fusion. (Not active at present)

Join us at:
The Shed, Blaina Community Sports Club,
Surgery Road,
Blaina. NP13 3AY

Useful Links

Please get in touch if you would like to have your link here

Contact

How to get in touch

Location

Blaina Community Sports Club, Surgery Road, Blaina. NP13 3AY

Email

Info@MensDenBG.co.uk

Phone

David Finch 07535 069874

Thank you to our supporters & funders, past and present.