A GROUP aiming to support men aged over 50 with social isolation is set to be officially launched on Wednesday - and they’re hoping that new members will come and join.

The Shaw Lane Men’s Shed group meet four days a week and create items up at their base at the Shaw Lane Foundation.

The group formed after meeting at the Men in Sheds programme which was launched in Barnsley in 2017 - and now they’ve gone independent they’re hoping to gain more and more members.

Mick Headon, a member of the group, told the Chronicle that the group has helped a number of people since its inception.

And they’re inviting people to attend to help combat social isolation, loneliness - or even if you’re just at a loose end and want a chat with a cup of tea.

He said: “This originated from a project in 2017 that Age UK won a bid from the National Lottery.

“We started as an independent group that were hiring their workshop at Town end and we decided to go totally independent.

“This venue has been completely transformed into our workshop.

“It’s about social inclusion for men over 50.

“They identified there was a problem with men sitting around in the house and that’s what we do.

“It’s a joinery shop but we do all sorts of things.

“We have a sit around and chat and try to help people.

“It’s just about getting more members in now.”

Mayor of Barnsley Dave Leech will officially open the site on Wednesday at 12pm.

And the group are hoping that local businesses will be able to support them grow, whether it be offering their services or providing equipment.