Loughgiel Men’s Shed boosted by grant to transform snooker hall and tackle isolation

Pictured with one of the two refurbished snooker tables at Loughgiel Community Centre are, (left to right) Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Causeway, Michelle Smyth, Operations Manager, Loughgiel Community Association, Paddy Coyles, Men’s Shed, Patrick McCullough, Men’s Shed, Deirdre Rafferty, Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officer, Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association, and Gerard Dallas, Men’s Shed.

A community hub in Loughgiel is seeing renewed life and growing attendance after a £2,000 grant helped transform its snooker facilities, giving local men a revitalised space to meet, stay active and support their mental wellbeing.

The funding, awarded to Loughgiel Community Association through a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant, has enabled a full refresh of the snooker hall used by the village’s Men’s Shed group, with organisers already reporting increased participation and new members joining.

Snooker hall refurbishment brings fresh energy to community space

The investment has been used to re-cover two snooker tables, purchase new cue extenders and snooker balls, and redecorate the space with a fresh coat of paint.

The upgrades form part of the “Rediscovering our Men” project, aimed at making the Men’s Shed a more welcoming and engaging environment for the local community.

Pictured trying out Loughgiel Community Association’s re-covered snooker tables are (left to right), Deirdre Rafferty, Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officer, Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association and Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Causeway. Loughgiel Community Association was awarded a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant to give the shed’s social space a revamp.

Lee-Anne Doherty of Loughgiel Community Association said the improvements have transformed both the physical space and the experience for those using it.

“Support from the Housing Executive has helped to re-cover two snooker tables, purchase new cue extenders, snooker balls and refresh the space with a fresh coat of paint, creating a welcoming and well-maintained environment for members and visitors,” she said.

Mental health and social connection at the heart of the project

Beyond the physical upgrades, organisers say the impact has been felt most strongly in the wellbeing of those attending.

Ms Doherty said the project has helped foster a sense of purpose and belonging among members, while addressing isolation in the community.

“Practical improvements in the project have given members a sense of purpose, pride and achievement.

“Our work continues to have a clear and positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in a space where men can talk openly, build friendships and reduce the isolation that many experience.”

She added that the refreshed facility is already encouraging more consistent attendance.

“Improvements have also encouraged men to attend regularly and has helped us welcome several new members.”

Snooker providing gentle activity and engagement

The upgraded snooker facilities are also playing a role in keeping members physically active in a relaxed and social setting.

“Playing snooker has also provided gentle physical activity that keeps members active while encouraging concentration, coordination and social interaction,” Ms Doherty said.

The combination of activity and conversation is seen as a key part of the Men’s Shed model, which focuses on informal, peer-led support.

Housing Executive highlights community impact

Members of Loughgiel Community Association, Men’s Shed (left to right) Gerard Dallas and Patrick McCullough focus on their game in the Men’s Shed as part of the ‘Rediscovering our Men’ project which received a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant to improve their services. 

The Housing Executive said the project reflects the wider benefits of small-scale community investment.

Gareth Doran, Good Relations Officer for Causeway, welcomed the outcomes achieved through the grant funding.

“We are delighted to hear that this project which combines social connection and physical activity has made a real difference to the confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging for all who use it,” he said.

“We wish them all the best for the future of their project.”

With improvements now complete and attendance rising, organisers say the focus will remain on building on that momentum and continuing to provide a supportive, inclusive space for men in the Loughgiel area.

---

At a glance

• Loughgiel Community Association awarded £2,000 Housing Executive grant

• Funding used to refurbish Men’s Shed snooker hall

• Two snooker tables re-covered; new equipment and repainting completed

• Project titled “Rediscovering our Men”

• Organisers report increased attendance and new members joining

• Initiative focused on reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing

• Snooker sessions provide gentle physical activity and social interaction

• Housing Executive says project has boosted confidence and sense of belonging

• Continued focus on growing participation and community engagement