Craig Brown, known more commonly by his nickname ‘Buster’, is no stranger to the debilitating effects of mental health issues, having fought battles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety for many years. However, a pivotal turning point for him has been his involvement in the Gainsborough Men’s Shed, a local initiative providing camaraderie and a constructive environment.
The 52-year-old Gainsborough, Lincolnshire resident’s struggles reached a peak last Christmas, leading him to talk seriously about taking his own life. Yet, the constant support from his wife, Tracy, combined with the comforting ambience of the Men’s Shed, has been vital in his journey to overcome his severe mental health issues.
“I spend four days a week here,” he explains with enthusiasm, adroitly adjusting the brakes of a donated bicycle. The transformative impact of the shed on his well-being is self-evident.
The Gainsborough Men’s Shed, founded in 2023 by John and Caroline Lydon, is part of an international endeavour that spans across 1800 locations worldwide, positively affecting around 100,000 people. Within its premises, the age of its members is varied from 18 to 84, all participating in an assortment of activities from woodworking to casual guitar sessions. Yet, the common thread between them all is the shared camaraderie and sense of community that forms the bedrock of the initiative.
Craig, who’s been an avid bike repairer since the age of 11, joined the Gainsborough Men’s Shed last year after his mental health issues forced him to take a break from his job. Now, he puts his innate skill to good use by fixing donated bikes and either bestowing them upon those who need them or selling the bikes to raise funds for charity. This generous act has uplifted many individuals, ranging from a boy in Lincoln who was disheartened by the theft of his bicycle, to a man who spent hours walking to his workplace every day.
The familial ambiance of the Men’s Shed is blatantly obvious when Craig speaks about John Lydon, one of the founders, whom he sees as a father figure in his life. This sentiment is echoed by Kurt Walton, a member who joined a month ago after medical retirement and continuous surgeries eventually pushed him into the throes of reclusion.
Kurt emphasises the instrumental role the shed has played in his life, declaring, “I’ve gone from being a reclusive wreck to possessing everything to look forward to.” Similar experiences have been shared by Michael Bush, who found a refreshing escape in model-making following a series of painful personal losses.
As the movement grows, John Lydon aspires to evolve it further by incorporating computers and lessons to ensure that members are not left stranded in today’s digitally connected world. “It’s about helping people adapt and making sure no one feels alone,” he clarifies.
For Craig, his experience with the Men’s Shed has been nothing short of transformative, offering him a supportive community through the dark periods of his life.
As acknowledged by The Lincoln Post, this story was adapted from the original BBC report.
