“Men talk shoulder to shoulder, not face to face” is a key phrase of mental health charity Men in Sheds.

Formed in 2013, the charity supports almost 600 community projects with 14,000 families receiving help.

The charity focuses on giving men a space to connect with each other through group activities. It reports that depression is reduced by 89% and anxiety 75% when members use the sheds.

Bedwas Workmen’s Hall will be the latest place to host a shed supported by the charity, having received £4,900 funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The new Bedwas shed should be open by June.

Project leader Emma Phipps-Magill said the aim was to not just help men, but to also unite a community.

She said: “Last year during the flooding, we saw the villages unite and help each other out. We are hoping this has a similar impact.”

The hall is now seeking further funding for equipment.

However, Emma said the shed can be whatever the members want it to be.

She said: “I’m hoping to pass on control of the scheme to a man, or group of men, within the community. It’s important that they feel a part of the project and take it in the direction they want.

“The whole point of this idea is to break down barriers and reduce male mental health problems. This is the first step.

 “The shed will allow us to become part of a network that supports men and men’s mental health with useful advice and steps to help reduce and prevent further problems.

“We have already been contacted by local veterans as well as mental health services who are keen to know more and take us forward. Bedwas High School is also enthusiastic about the idea.”

Bedwas Workmen’s Hall management committee has also floated the idea of a library for tools, so people can borrow the equipment they need for their own projects.

This isn’t the first time the Workmen’s Hall has pitched in to support the community.

As well as playing host to 30 classes at the hall, Bedwas Trethomas and Machen Community Councillor, Amanda McConnell, recently ran a seven-days-a-week homeless shelter there.

The scheme ran for two months and gave 21 guests a place to eat a hot meal and rest. The night shelter also provided various food parcels, toiletries and clothes.

On the Men’s Sheds initiative, Cllr McConnell said: “It’s a great idea. The night shelter brought the community together and I think this will do the same. It’s crucial that we bring more focus to men’s mental health.”

The Hall is hosting fortnightly meetings which anyone can attend if they want to get involved.

There are two other Men’s Sheds in Caerphilly County Borough – one in Blackwood and one at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre.