PAUL Burgin found himself looking for a new challenge after unexpectedly being made redundant...

He chanced across an advert for a handyman at the Age UK charity and hasn’t looked back since.

He’s become a part of the furniture at the charity which helps thousands of older people across the borough and his unflinching commitment has earned him a nomination as a community hero in this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.

The nomination from Age UK describes the Worsbrough man as a true local hero who always goes above and beyond to help anyone.

It added: “Immediately after he joined, it became clear that Paul was far more than a handyman.

“He’s a man who can wear many hats: a caretaker, relief driver, emergency repair responder and a driving force behind the Men in Sheds and She Sheds programmes.

“Paul blossomed into a vital, multi-faceted position a lasting legacy for the older residents of Barnsley.”

Modest Paul says he’s always happy to help whatever the time of day.

He said: “I will get calls a 7pm asking if I could help with a fix, and it’s no bother. I just don’t want to see old people struggling.”

One of his man achievements has been the development of the She Sheds and Men in sheds programmes crafting, woodworking and upcycling groups for all skill levels, based on Summer Lane, Barnsley.

His work has created ‘a welcoming atmosphere of warmth, humour, and inclusion that has helped many people overcome loneliness, rebuild confidence, and feel part of something meaning again,’ according to Age UK.

The nomination added: “Many of our Shedders once felt isolated or disconnected now they have friends, creative outlets, and a renewed sense of pride in their skills and their place in the community.

“His blend of practical expertise, emotional intelligence, and unwavering dedication to helping others embodies everything this award stands for. Paul Burgin is not just a valued staff member he is a local hero.”

Paul believes the Shed projects offer a lot more than just an opportunity for people to pick up saws and screwdrivers.

He added: “People don’t even need to do woodwork. They can have tea, coffee and chat. That is the same with age. It may be targeted at older generations, but they have welcomed people much younger.”