IMAGINATIVE initiatives to improve health for mid Cheshire’s older residents have been shown off to the Government.

Public health minister Jane Ellison visited Age UK’s headquarters in Hartford to find out more about the Men in Sheds project and services available at Castle Community Centre.

Regular ‘shedders’ at Men in Sheds displayed their work and explained what being involved in the scheme means to them before Mrs Ellison and Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans took part in a pen making workshop in the shed.

The pair then enjoyed afternoon tea with the Age UK Cheshire team who explained their work to promote public health outcomes for later life, including the computer centre at Castle where a number of older residents bring in their tablet computers for tutorials.

Mrs Ellison said: “It was excellent to see the Men In Sheds project first-hand and was great to meet so many people who are passionate about what this project stands for.

“The impact on those taking part and their families was clear to see – men helping other men to avoid loneliness and doing something positive and enjoyable at the same time.”

Ken Clemens, Age UK Cheshire’s chief executive, said: “Its been a terrific opportunity to show our visitors the scale and breadth of partnership working locally, and the impact that our activities has on the lives of older people, their carers and families.”

Age UK Cheshire is the UK’s largest provider of Men in Sheds projects, currently running four Men In Sheds schemes across the county.

Hartford was the first scheme launched five years ago.