Salix Homes supports men’s mental health project with £10,000 boost

A project which was first launched to support men’s mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic has received a £10,000 boost from Salix Homes.

Established in 2020 by the Salford-based charity Salford Foundation, ‘The Shed’ began as a digital support network for men facing isolation and mental health challenges.

Since emerging from the pandemic, The Shed has evolved into a vibrant welfare hub, based at Acton Square, where it now supports up to 100 men each year. Here, they can access information, advice, and mentoring support from professionals, alongside guidance from volunteers and peers within the community.

Through activities designed to build confidence and tackle isolation, The Shed offers men a safe, confidential and welcoming space to develop skills, connect with others, and strengthen their mental wellbeing.

Now Salix Homes has awarded The Shed a £10,000 grant through our Salix Seed Fund initiative, which is a funding pot provided through our partner contractors to support ‘social value’ projects in Salford that directly benefit our customers and communities.

Michael is a regular visitor at The Shed, attending cooking sessions held every Tuesday. He said: “I’ve been coming to these sessions for a month now and I’ve found they’ve helped me to gain new skills and socialise with people rather than just sitting at home. I’ve even recreated one of the dishes I made during the sessions at home on my own using what I’ve learnt here.”

The cooking sessions at The Shed help build confidence by encouraging participants to try new recipes, manage food budgets, and make healthy choices. Participants also learn to repurpose ingredients and practice food safety and hygiene – all while connecting with others in a supportive environment.

For more than 30 years, Salford Foundation has been providing opportunities for young people and adults to create better futures for themselves and their community through creative health, adult services, women’s survivor services, and youth services.

Salford Foundation’s Business Development Manager Helen Garry said: “The help from Salix Homes has allowed us to continue delivering vital services to the men of Salford.

“The people we see at The Shed come here to connect with one another, build their confidence, learn new skills and access general support. Recognising the need for holistic support for disadvantaged men, we use activities like cooking, gardening, bowling, and arts and culture to boost confidence and provide them with an inclusive space to build strength and resilience.”

Sian Grant, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Salix Homes, added: “The Seed Fund is all about supporting projects that make a meaningful difference in our communities, and The Shed does exactly that. By providing men in Salford with a safe, supportive space to build confidence and learn new skills, The Shed is helping people overcome personal challenges and create new opportunities for themselves. We’re proud to support this incredible project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will continue to have in people’s lives.”

The Salix Homes Seed Fund is a funding pot of £40,000, provided by our contractors Travis Perkins and Sure, that has been allocated for ‘social value’ projects that benefit our communities in Salford.

To find out more information, visit The Shed website at the Salford Foundation.