Wickes Partners With UK Men's Sheds Association to Further Support Local Communities

The Wickes Community Programme, a nationwide initiative, is proud to announce a new partnership with the UK Men's Sheds Association (UKMSA). This collaboration aims to provide support for mental health and combat social isolation through community engagement, recognising the vital role Men's Sheds play in offering a welcoming, supportive space across the country.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people can socialise, share skills, and work on practical projects together. For many, the opportunity to talk shoulder-to-shoulder while working on a project is a powerful way to look after their mental well-being and tackle loneliness.

This year, the collaboration will run as a trial matching select Wickes stores to a trial group of UKMSA member Sheds to establish a strong working model. Wickes will help these local Men’s Sheds with their community projects by providing them with access to stock. This initiative will specifically support the repurposing of products and aid the many community projects that Men’s Sheds support in our communities.

The partnership is already making a difference at the Medway Men’s Sheds, who have benefited from donated products including timber, roofing felt, wood treatment, adhesives, and various tools and fixings.

Caroline Ellis, CEO at UK Mens Sheds Association said: "We are looking forward to working with Wickes. This collaboration will allow UKMSA and member Sheds to reach more people and provide them with the support they need, building a stronger and more connected community, resulting in happier, healthier men."

Robert Sandell, Store Manager at Wickes Chatham said: "It’s been brilliant to see how our local Men In Sheds group have grown over the years we have supported them. I’ve seen first hand the vital work to support mental health and I am proud to play a role in making a positive difference."

Hannah Randle Hockin, Community Engagement Manager at Wickes said: "Since launching our programme in 2022, we have worked with numerous Mens Sheds. We are thrilled to expand this relationship further. The Men in Sheds initiative perfectly embodies the community spirit we champion, it’s about one community helping another.2

The Wickes Community Programme welcomes all local community groups seeking assistance for improvement projects. Groups interested in applying for a product donation can visit their local store to speak to the manager or find out more by visiting our website at www.wickes.co.uk/community-programme.

Notes to editor

The Wickes Community Programme has supported over 3000 charities and projects and is looking for more to support. They have a product donation fund of a quarter of a million pounds to support charities and community organisations by providing relevant products to help them with essential maintenance, renovation or to complete new projects. Wickes prides itself on being a part of its local communities and is always looking at ways to make a material difference in the community.

For more information contact the Wickes Community Programme press office:

E-mail: hannah.randlehockin@wickes.co.uk
or visit: Wickes Community Programme

Social Links

TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

About Wickes

Wickes is a digitally led, service-enabled home improvement retailer. With an extensive range of products and DIY brands, a Kitchen & Bathroom design and installation service, solar panel offerings, and a loyalty scheme for local trade, Wickes is the perfect partner to help with both small and large- scale projects. With 230 stores across the UK and an extended range online, it has everything customers need, whether an amateur DIY-er or trade professional.

Our Responsible Business Strategy, ‘Built to Last’, is focused on three pillars - People, Environment and Homes. We are building a business we are proud of, where all our colleagues can feel at home and are empowered to support their communities and customers; we’re supporting the fight against climate change and taking action to protect the natural environment; and we’re helping the nation make their homes more sustainable.

Our Wickes Community Programme comes under our People pillar and aims to support local community groups and charity organisations by providing relevant products to help them with essential maintenance, renovation or to complete new projects. Wickes prides itself on being a part of its local communities and is always looking at ways to make a material difference in the community.