Barnsley Hospice is pleased to announce it will host a new monthly ‘Men’s Shed’ group starting this January to run throughout the year.
Barnsley Hospice Men’s Shed will provide a place for men to meet, organise and participate in social activities, and talk to others who are in similar situations.
The monthly group, funded by the Better Barnsley Bond, will take place on the last Friday of every month (except December), 10 am to 12 pm, held at The Orangery at Barnsley Hospice, with the first session held on Friday 30 January, 2026.
Chris Black, Complementary and Wellbeing Therapist at Barnsley Hospice, who will co-host the groups, said: “We’re so excited to be hosting a Men’s Shed group as this is a fantastic movement that allows men the opportunity to improve their mental health and reduce isolation.
“The group will very much lead itself in the sense that we will engage with participants and see what activities they’d like to do and what they’d like to create. It will be an informal, shoulder-to-shoulder environment helping men share their skills and learn new ones, all whilst knowing they have the opportunity to ‘open up’ should they wish.”
What is the purpose of the group?
The Men’s Shed group aims to provide a safe space for men to talk with other like-minded men, share experiences, develop friendships and reduce social isolation. They are a great opportunity to share skills and learn new ones. Research shows that Men’s Sheds are uniquely placed to support improvements in men’s holistic wellbeing.
Schedule (please note these topics are subject to change as course session dictates)
Friday 30 January 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Welcome & Wellbeing
Friday 27 February 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Winter gardening
Friday 27 March 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Creative upcycling
Friday 24 April 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Woodwork basics (Birdbox build)
Friday 29 May 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Woodwork basics continued
Friday 26 June 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Spring planting
Friday 31 July 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Music & memory
Friday 28 August 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Moving & motivation
Friday 25 September 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Summer social
Friday 30 October 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Model Making
Friday 27 November 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Harvest garden produce
Friday 18 December 2026 – 10 am to 12 pm – Festive fun
Who can attend?
Any man aged 18+ living in Barnsley who is either:
Living with a life-limiting illness
Caring for someone with a life-limiting illness
Bereaved after a life-limiting illness
Do I need to book?
Whilst there is no requirement to book, it would be wonderful to know you’re coming! You can email the team at theorangery@barnsley-hospice.org or phone 01226 244 244.
How much does it cost?
Each session is completely free to attend, thanks to funding from the Better Barnsley Bond, as part of Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live initiative.
Where is the group held?
Each session is to be held at Barnsley Hospice (104-106 Church St, Gawber, S75 2RL) in The Orangery – our space which is often referred to as used for ‘outpatients’ – which is our calm and relaxing environment where our Complementary Therapy and Wellbeing team provide their services.
Where can I park?
Barnsley Hospice offers free parking for patients and visitors and there is on-street parking nearby (please park with consideration for our neighbours)
Will there be refreshments?
There will be a selection of light refreshments available such as teas and coffees.
Am I obliged to attend every session?
Absolutely not. This is very much a ‘drop-in’ group and you can select which session(s) you’d like to attend.
Access at-home relaxation and self-care videos
16 January 2026
Light Up a Life 2025 Book of Remembrance
6 January 2026
New Carers Support and Wellbeing Support Group Launched
5 January 2026
Coping With Grief During the Festive Season – National Grief Awareness Week
5 December 2025