Just think what Ripon Men's Shed could do with a donation of £5k and a few quick clicks could help it win a charity nomination to hopefully secure that money.

Provided enough people vote for it, the “Shed” are in line for an award of £5k from the Benefact Trust, an organisation founded in 1972 which has gone on to donate over £256 million to Christian charities throughout the U.K. & Ireland.

During a calendar year, the Trust have four special individual draws in which 10 charities can each win £5k. The Men's Shed has been nominated in the category "Health and Wellbeing", open to charities who have, as one of their core charitable purposes, the advancement and promotion of health. Nominations are only open for seven days and will close at midnight on Sunday May 4th. So why not support this very worthwhile local organisation and get clicking now.

Villager, Tony Johnson, who is a Trustee of the “Shed” says “We really do appreciate all the support our followers give us”.

Tony told BM Today that if the nomination was successful it would be a fantastic boost towards the funds for the repair and build out of the church buildings, particularly the Social Room roof. Tony adds “Once completed this room would let us open up to even more people in Ripon, allowing us to conduct activities other than woodwork, attracting a much more diverse group”.

The Men's Shed movement, established in the U.K. around 2011, encourages people, both men and women, to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Attending a Shed is know to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and combat social isolation. A survey of 2023 suggested that 89% of regular attenders (known colloquially as “Shedders”) experience a decrease in depression.

The Ripon Shed is well known and frequently supported within the village. There are four members, including the Secretary, who live in the village, as well as the Group's IT Sponsor and Advisor.

To learn more about the work of the Shed click

Winners will be announced on May 9th.