A BARRHEAD over-50s group which gives members “a new lease of life” will be laying the hammer down this summer after banking a £500 boost for its next project.

Barrhead Men’s Shed will use the money to buy tools and timber for upcoming work which involves building wooden benches, seats, planters, raised beds and bird boxes for gardens.

The group, based in Robertson Street, was given the cash by intu Braehead as part of the venue’s Community Fund.

Set up nearly four years ago, the group gives men, and women, over the age of 50 a place to meet and take part in creative, work and recreational activities.

The charity also plays a role in meeting the social, health and well-being needs of its 35 members.

Chairman Alex Storrie said: “We’re here to get anyone who’s on their own out of the house and active.

“There are people living in isolation, sitting at home, talking to the four walls or watching daytime telly – but we’ll give them a new purpose in life.

“We’ve got several craftsmen as members who will show the other men how to make things and we also teach computer skills, arts and crafts and I’ve even shown one woman how to play the mandolin.”

The Men’s Shed is also a place where members can get help from someone willing to listen to their problems.

Alex said: “It’s a lifeline to some people and time spent in the Men’s Shed can be very therapeutic, as the guys have someone to talk to, or confide in. It’s also good for the people who are doing the listening.

“None of us are trained psychologists, but we can spot when someone needs a hand or someone to talk to.

“There was one of the shedders whose wife had died and he didn’t have any family or friends living close by.

“We knew his daughter was having an operation for cancer and I asked him how she was. He burst into tears and said he had never known so many people being kind to him.

“We look after each other. If someone hasn’t come along for a few days we’ll always give them a call to make sure there is nothing wrong.

“They come in here like old men and go out with a spring in their step. We’ll take 20 years off their age and they’ll feel a lot younger by the time they’ve spent a few weeks with the guys in here.”

Lydia Brown, community development manager for intu Braehead, said: “The volunteers who run Barrhead Men’s Shed do a wonderful job encouraging men and women to take up a new interest, keep active and get a new lease of life.”

“They’re also there for people when they need a helping hand. You can feel the fantastic atmosphere and camaraderie when you visit the Men’s Shed.”