Investing in Spaces and Places – The Port Men in Sheds

November 1st, 2025

At the heart of Ellesmere Port, a once derelict community centre has been transformed into a vibrant hub for men of all ages, thanks to the dedication of The Port Men in Sheds and support from the Asda Foundation’s Investing in Spaces and Places grant. 

The Port Men in Sheds is a community group supporting men who are isolated, lonely, bereaved, recovering from illness, or simply missing the camaraderie of the workplace. With members ranging in age from 18 to 90, the group offers a wide range of activities including woodworking, metalworking, music, board games, talking therapy, and arts and crafts – all designed to foster connection and wellbeing. 

A man wearing an apron is removing a tray of baked food from a modern oven in a newly refurbished kitchen with grey countertops and white cabinets. Plates and utensils are visible on the counter, and the space appears clean and well-organised.

When the group took over the Overpool Community Centre in January 2024, the building had been empty for three years. It was damp, vandalised, and had suffered multiple break-ins. The kitchen was unusable, and the space lacked the warmth and functionality needed to support the group’s vision. But with hard work and community spirit, the team began to breathe new life into the building – affectionately renamed their “shed-quarters.” 

Close-up of a damaged ceiling and wall with extensive peeling paint and plaster, exposing underlying material. Two barred windows are visible, and a ceiling light fixture is mounted above. The surface shows signs of damp and deterioration.

Thanks to funding from the Asda Foundation, the group was able to install a brand-new fitted kitchen, complete with cabinets, flooring, and white goods. This upgrade has enabled them to offer hot meals to members and the wider community – many of whom are elderly, live alone, or face financial hardship. For some, this may be their only hot meal of the day. 

A newly refurbished kitchen with white cabinets, grey countertops, and modern appliances including an oven, toaster, and air fryer. Plates and utensils are neatly arranged on the counters, and a large window provides natural light with a view of greenery outside.

The impact of this funding has helped The Port Men in Sheds complete their goal of turning a once derelict community centre into a thriving hub for men of all ages and walks of life. The impact of having a usable kitchen now means they are able to provide food to the users, something they have never been able to do before and which for some could be their only hot meal that day.

Adele Dybacz, Community Champion at Asda Ellesmere Port 

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage open conversations, break down stigma, and promote support for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress. The Port Men in Sheds embodies this mission, offering a safe and welcoming space where men can talk, connect, and find purpose. 

A man wearing an apron is slicing vegetables on a green chopping board in a modern kitchen. The countertop holds a bowl of sliced items, a jar of mayonnaise, and a large clear mixing bowl near the sink. White cabinets and a wall-mounted soap dispenser are visible in the background.

Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns, particularly among older men. By creating a warm, inclusive environment, The Port Men in Sheds is helping to combat this “modern pandemic” and improve lives – one conversation, one activity, and one shared meal at a time. 

A man wearing a blue T-shirt with “The Port Men in Sheds” logo holds a plate of food. The plate includes a cooked pastry, lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and a small portion of spread.