Double success for Kent at UK shed awards

Robert Taylor, from the Medway Men In Sheds group, won Shedder of the Year

Two community groups which help unemployed men back into work and improve mental health have won a national shed award.

Men's Sheds associations across the country help tackle social isolation and improve mental health, by bringing people together to share and learn each other's skills.

At its annual awards, held in the Houses of Parliament on Thursday, Robert Taylor, from the Medway Men In Sheds group, won Shedder of the Year.

The Broadstairs Town Shed also won in the Health and Wellbeing category.

Mr Taylor, who joined the group in 2014, was nominated by fellow members for his work supporting new arrivals and with the administration of the group.

He said: "It was a brilliant day; we met lots of other shedders who are doing some marvellous things throughout the UK.

"It was fantastic to be recognised as one person out of many thousands.

"I don't take it as a personal award, but on behalf of all members who make the team and thank them as well."

Robert Taylor with Meirelle Frost, of the Sunlight Trust, and trustee Lia Mandaracas at the award ceremony

The Medway group is based at the Sunlight Trust in Gillingham and is co-ordinated by Chris White.

He said: "It's important to keep raising the profile and give opportunities for sheds up and down the country to share their learnings.

"It's absolutely amazing, the talent up and down the country that these sheds have managed to tap into.

"As a paid member of staff, I can't do everything, and people like Rob have said, 'I'm going to sort that out for you', and taken things by the reins."