Harryville Men’s Shed membership more than doubles as local men find friendship and support

Pictured seated are, Denver McMeekin, Chairman of Harryville Mens Shed and Stephen Reynolds, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, alongside members of Harryville Mens Shed. 

Monday 05 October 2026

Harryville Men’s Shed has seen its membership more than double in three years, with local men describing how friendship, new skills and a sense of belonging have transformed their confidence and wellbeing.

The Ballymena organisation now has 44 members after recording 144% growth, alongside an expansion of health and lifestyle support, training and educational activities.

The growth follows a £45,000 funding award from The Gallaher Trust in 2023, which has helped the Men’s Shed broaden its work beyond its traditional social and practical activities.

Friendship and confidence making a difference

For Davey, who joined in 2023, becoming part of the group has had a significant personal impact.

“Joining Harryville Men’s Shed has enhanced my life in so many ways. I have made new friends, learnt new skills, developed my confidence and self-esteem, which has all had a positive effect on my mental health. Becoming a member of the group was, without doubt, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he said.

Over the past three years, 45 men have engaged with Men’s Shed services, while 30 have taken part in health and lifestyle projects and 25 have engaged in training and educational services. A total of 93 events have also been hosted.

Activities now include sessions focused on coping with stress, building mental resilience and financial management, alongside opportunities for members to learn practical skills and spend time with others.

A place where men can belong

Stephen Reynolds, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust holds up one of the t-shirts made by Harryville Mens Shed members as Denver McMeekin looks on.

Project Coordinator Jim McIllroy said the organisation had seen first-hand how important that connection can be for local men.

“We’ve seen first-hand the profound impact that Harryville Men’s Shed has had on the lives of local men,” Jim said.

“Many of those who come through our doors are looking for friendship or simply a place to belong. Through group activities, learning new skills and supporting each other, we’ve seen our members grow immeasurably in confidence and self-esteem and develop lasting friendships which have improved their overall wellbeing.

“Although conversations around mental health have become more open in recent years, many men still struggle to ask for help or express how they’re feeling. Harryville Men’s Shed offers a safe space where men can connect with others and know that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

“It’s so much more than just a place to socialise. For many of our members, Harryville Men’s Shed has been genuinely life changing, and it has been a privilege to see them living life to the fullest potential.”

The importance of tackling isolation is reflected in wider Northern Ireland figures. The Department of Health’s Health Survey Northern Ireland 2024/25 found that 38% of adults reported concerns about their mental health during the previous year, while one in four exhibited signs of loneliness.

The Mental Health in Northern Ireland 2026 report, published by the Mental Health Champion in April, also highlighted how loneliness and social isolation become more common later in life.

Members describe life-changing impact

Craig, 54, joined Harryville Men’s Shed after a friend encouraged him to attend following a decline in his mental health after retirement.

“Before I joined Harryville Men’s Shed, I was quite withdrawn and shy but now I’m much more outgoing and talkative, and I have the confidence to involve myself in different projects,” he said.

“I really look forward to chatting with the other members over a cup of coffee and I also have developed my skills through the various activities –  I can now use a laser engraver and printing machine, and I’ve also developed my woodworking skills. Harryville Men’s Shed has helped me a lot and I would encourage anyone to take that first step and join.”

Martin, 47, became a member after struggling with loneliness and said the experience had also improved his confidence and self-esteem.

“I was very nervous about joining but I was made to feel very welcome by everyone,” he commented.

“I feel so much more confident and my self-esteem has also greatly improved. I have been able to learn new skills like woodworking and have shared in meaningful conversations with the other members, all of which has had a great impact on my life.”

New equipment to support future income

Denver McMeekin, Chairman of Harryville Mens Shed and Stephen Raynolds, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust are pictured with t-shirts made by members following a further £3,500 funding injection from the Trust to enable them to purchase a printing machine.

This year, The Gallaher Trust donated a further £3,500 alongside the National Lottery to enable Harryville Men’s Shed to buy a printing machine. The equipment can produce detailed designs on fabrics and different garment colours and is intended to help the organisation develop its self-funding activities.

Stephen Reynolds, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, said the growth in membership demonstrated the value of the service.

“We’re so pleased to have supported Harryville Men’s Shed over the last three years and it is just wonderful to see how much the organisation has grown and developed during this time. The significant increase in membership and the expansion of its services demonstrates the real value of creating a space where men can build friendships, learn new skills and access health and wellbeing support.

“We’re particularly pleased to have been able to support the purchase of the new printing machine, which will not only provide members with an opportunity to develop new skills, but it will also help the organisation generate income and become more sustainable in the future. We wish the organisation and its members the very best of luck as they continue this important work in the local community.”

For men considering taking that first step, Harryville Men’s Shed continues to offer a local place to meet others, learn new skills and become part of a supportive community. For more information, email mensshed@ballymenasouth.com.

More information about The Gallaher Trust’s work is available at www.thegallahertrust.org.