Women’s Sheds can expand into national movement with Government support – Byrne

Women’s Sheds are being urged to apply for a new round of funding to support the fantastic work they are doing in their communities, according to Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne.

Senator Byrne was speaking after she organised a meeting with a delegation of Women’s and Sisters Sheds along with her colleague Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

A special fund of €100,000 has been announced by Minister Humphreys to help the movement grow and expand, with organisers urged to contact her Department for support. Fine Gael is committed to creating stronger, safer, communities and supporting groups that provide invaluable services in our towns, villages and cities.

Senator Byrne said: “Women’s Sheds have been set up in several towns and villages, including one in my own constituency of Limerick City. Such was the interest in Limerick City that over 400 women attended an information evening in Garryowen Owen Rugby Club this summer.

“I know from meeting with the women involved that these sheds have such a positive impact in their respective communities by creating an established and valuable network for socialising and friendship.

“Women’s Sheds welcome people of all ages, and organise different activities like day trips, sporting events, book clubs, card games, as well as developing new skills and interests. It also serves as an important forum for career networking and an information hub for various community and government supports.

“Unlike Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under a single national representative body and this makes it more difficult for them to avail of supports such as Government funding.

“I was delighted to meet with some of the organisers along with my colleague Minister Humphreys yesterday to discuss how we can provide support, including the provision of grant funding.

“Men’s Sheds have grown from a small organisation several years ago to a point now where there are over 400 men’s sheds nationwide and a national representative body.

“I believe now is the time to give organisers the support and resources they need to set up Women’s Sheds and have the same level of ambition in growing a national movement,” Senator Byrne concluded.

Grants which will be in the region of €1,000 – €2,000 could be used to assist Women’s Sheds to expand within their communities, to run activities or to help them with their running costs such as insurance or rental costs.

Any Women’s Shed interested in availing of funding should get in touch with the Department of Rural and Community Development via womenssheds@drcd.gov.ie .

Minister Humphreys said: “These Sheds provide an invaluable service for women of all ages – helping to tackle social isolation and providing a space for people to come together, socialise, and build friendships.

“From small acorns grow mighty oaks – I don’t see any reason why with a little bit of support and guidance we can’t grow the Women’s Shed into a national movement similar to the Men’s Sheds.

“At the moment we don’t actually have concrete data on the total number of Women’s Sheds in the country. This initiative will help us to get a better idea of the spread across the country. I’d really love to be in a position where this fund is over-subscribed and that’s why I am asking all Women’s Sheds to get in touch with my Department so we can support you.”