Men in Sheds club set up at Worthing care home for veterans who feel 'forgotten'

The Avon Manor Men in Sheds Veterans Club is fostering community, craftsmanship and wellbeing through monthly meetings, where residents and guests work on individual projects together.

Residents Bob Gent, who served in the RAF before working as a firefighter, Michael Hartley and Rita Thorley have all enjoyed taking part and meeting other veterans.

Among the regular visitors is Jim Cox, who served in the Royal Artillery but felt 'forgotten' after leaving the service, despite his many medals. Without access to a telephone or the internet, he was feeling completely isolated.

Kevin Beevis, another regular visitor, served in the Royal Navy and in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and now spends much of his time making model ships at his home in Rustington.

He enjoys the camaraderie at the club and works on models like ducks and snails, which can be sold at fêtes to raise money.

Debbie Bushby, social wellness co-ordinator, set up the free club at Avon Manor dementia care home, in Manor Road, Worthing, in November, with the help of Jim Dumbrell.

She said: "Jim has been the driving force behind it all, with his craftsmanship. The concept came about when we discovered that five of our residents had served in the British Armed Forces. That was along with Jim, our maintenance man, who served 14 years in the Royal Air Force, and me, serving nine years as a QARNNS Naval Nurse.

"We decided that there should be some recognition for our residents' services, so set about buying blazers, regimental ties and blazer badges for all the men, and smart dress for lovely Rita, an ex-Army nurse.

"This went down well on Remembrance Day and from that we decided to have a monthly get-together with our local veterans. We are trying to stop the isolation for anybody who lives alone."

Jim enjoys chatting with the veterans while he works with them on their projects.

The club is open to residents and guests, including those who come regularly from the nearby Avon House Dementia Care Home.

Debbie, an Armed Forces Champion, said the monthly Men in Sheds day was aimed at the veteran community, especially those with dementia who live in care homes.

"Residents join with local veterans and spend the day with whatever projects they choose," she said. "We give them a hearty meal and a cake to take home. We are trying hard to ensure no one is left behind, as there are so many isolated veterans locally."

The club fosters community, craftsmanship and wellbeing, offering activities shared by veterans, with individual stories and experiences at the heart.

Projects span small crafts, including bird and animal housing. It is a hands-on day tailor-made to suit individual skills.

Debbie said: "It is all adapted to their capabilities, experience levels and creative goals. Fine motor skills, planning and problem solving are strengthened through practice, so there are motor and cognitive benefits.

"There is also a wellbeing and community impact, as making has been linked to improved mental health, with finished pieces benefiting local causes."

It was in conversation that Jim’s dad, also Jim Dumbrell, and Kevin discovered they had not only served on the same ship but at the same time. They have been able to share many stories about their service.

Debbie's efforts to create connections for the veterans has also led to a visit to see the Chelsea Pensioners in London and a visit to Littlehampton AFVBC.