THE Mayor of Llanfyllin officially has officially opened a new men’s mental health project in the town.

Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes cut the ribbon at what is believed to be the first Men’s Shed established in Montgomeryshire, the Llanfyllin Men’s Shed at Y Dolydd Llanfyllin Workhouse.

Organisers of the Men’s Sheds project said it is a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practise skills and enjoy making and mending, and help generate social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge.

The Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes, wished the project “every success” after performing the opening ceremony.

“Our town can be very proud of this achievement and the Llanfyllin Men’s Shed is the 52nd to open in Wales since 2014, all part of a worldwide Men’s Shed movement which started in Australia in 1998 and brings older men together to combat social isolation.

“They are keen for others to join and we all wish them every success in the future,” he said.

Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, added: “I would like to congratulate Men’s Shed Llanfyllin for being the first in Montgomeryshire and for securing this National Lottery funding.

“ I become aware of the work of the Men’s Shed Association a few years ago, and it’s a great organisation that exists to improve the overall health and wellbeing of men.”

Local community co-ordinator, Sheela Hughes, first suggested setting up a Men’s Shed to Vic Brown who is now the chairman of the Llanfyllin Men’s Shed.

Last month, the group won an ‘Awards for All’ grant from the National Lottery of £10,000.

The Men’s Sheds Association says there are now more than 500 active ‘sheds’ in the UK, with a further 250 in development.

It says the project directly helps more than 12,000 people in the country who are suffering with issues of loneliness and social isolation.