A father and son duo are providing the tools to build mental health resilience by opening a collaborative local workshop.
The Man Shed in Cramlington, Northumberland, is designed with community and connection at its heart. It's kitted out with a range of machines, but also a chill-out space where members can chat or develop their photography, amateur radio or computer skills.
39-year-old Alan Mertsch was spurred into setting up the shed as a result of his own experience grappling with anxiety, which intensified through the pandemic.
Go here for more Northumberland news and updates from Northumberland Live
After losing his mum two years ago, he moved back into the area to live with his dad Norman. The pair have since worked together, despite their grief, to bring their workshop ambitions to life.
The new unit in Endeavour Park is part of a wider network of Men's Sheds throughout the UK.
Alan explained: "When I heard about Men's Sheds elsewhere, I was totally inspired. Lots of men are struggling with mental health problems like me, and there's something hugely beneficial about having a place to meet others and to share your story.
"Not everyone has space to create at home, so it acts as a safe haven for men: where they can get out of the house, focus on a project and really be absorbed into a community.
"As everyone gets to know one another, it becomes a place where people feel comfortable opening up. If people are having problems, they are encouraged to sit down with a cup of tea and chat.
"Sometimes it's daunting speaking to partners or family, so the Men's Shed is a place where you won't be judged. Everyone comes along for a similar reason, so there's no shame."
The Cramlington workshop will act as a thread pulling members of the community together, while also manufacturing products to benefit the local area.
As Alan explained: "We are currently speaking to a rescue shelter who have asked us to build hedgehog enclosures, and we'll be taking requests from the council or charities in need."
Since opening in December there's been large demand for places at the shed from people of all ages, with uptake so high that the pair are currently looking for a larger premises.
"I originally assumed it would be mostly retired people who were interested," said Alan. "But we've been getting loads of messages off younger people too.
"The stresses of work, school, relationships or money problems are really impacting the younger generation. You hear stories of young men taking their own lives all over Northumberland, it's got to stop."
Entrepreneur Alan, who is originally from Stakeford, has invested £45k of his own money into the project so far and is now looking to access funding to ensure its longevity.
He said he has been fuelled to support others after leaving school without qualifications at 15, when he was told he was "useless" and a "waste of space" by teachers.
After a stint DJing, he set up cleaning companies and worked in IT, before launching his own woodwork business.
He's appealing to anyone with confident workshop skills to get in touch, to try and alleviate some of the pressure on 77-year-old Norman who is currently undertaking most of the training.
The pair are also searching for anyone with prior charity or financial experience who is interested in becoming a trustee of the site.
Alan added: "The main thing we are concerned about is breaking-even, so that we can keep this service running and help out as many people as possible."
Those interested in using the Men's Shed are asked to sign up and pay a yearly membership fee of £150, which covers use of the facilities and materials.
The space is currently open Monday-Friday between 10am-3pm, but the pair are looking to extend those hours as they attract more volunteers and to launch women's sessions of an evening.
For the latest Northumberland news direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
