A SOUTHAMPTON charity has launched a campaign to raise funds to combat loneliness and isolation.

Shirley Men’s Shed launched its fundraising campaign earlier this month to help pay for equipment and materials to finish its new shed.

Formed in 2018, the charity, which is a member of the national UK Men’s Shed Association, has been raising funds through fundraising activities and grants to build and operate a men’s shed in the heart of Shirley.

The pandemic impacted upon the group’s fundraising but the money raised through the latest campaign should enable the full opening of the shed.

Once open, current and new members can use it to make new social connections, friendships and share skills and knowledge as the charity aims to combat loneliness, improve mental health, foster new friendships and improve wellbeing.

Chairman of the Shirley Men’s Shed Committee, Peter Hill, said of the fund raising campaign: “We have the support of Southampton City Council to extend our facility to support our local community especially as Covid-19 virus is coming under control, and we are certain that the need in the community is even greater, particularly for people who are suffering from social isolation and loneliness with the potential adverse effects of mental health.

“Shirley Men’s Shed is and will continue to be an invaluable asset to our community, at a time when it is needed most.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.

“Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. Giving is not just about making a donation it’s about making a difference.”

The fund raising undertaken so far has enabled the charity to obtain a lease on a piece of land owned by St James Road Methodist Church. It has also allowed the charity to clear the land, pay for a shed base to be laid and to purchase a shed that has very recently been installed.