Our members…

Our focus is mainly on older men and women. It is a place to meet, chat, do woodwork (or nothing at all) and generally pass the time in the company of friendly people.

Wood turning lathe

Our Workshop…

We have a well equipped workshop with lots of equipment – a lathe, table saw, bandsaw, mitre saw, planer-thicknesser, bench drill and a comprehensive collection of power tools.

xamples of Work

It’s a place where Shedders can pick up skills as you go along from more experienced members.

Examples of work…
The Dusty Shed's Wellbeing Group logo

A talking social group, combating loneliness and social isolation.

The Dusty Shed exists to help older people tackle loneliness and social isolation, by providing a welcoming, supportive space where people can come together, share skills, and build friendships.

Our Mission
The Dusty Shed is part of a worldwide movement called ‘Men’s Sheds’, however we do not restrict membership only to men. It’s a place where older men and women can work on practical projects like woodworking or almost anything else (within reason) they’re interested in, or simply turn up for coffee and a chat.

Our main goal is to improve people’s health and well-being by reducing loneliness and isolation. We specifically focus on older men and women who live in Ely, Caerau, and the surrounding areas of Cardiff.

Latest stories

Go to our Blog page for more stories

Who is the Dusty Shed for?

Dusty Shed members at local event in Ely.

The Dusty Shed is for older people who feels the need for connection, purpose, and community – especially those who may be feeling isolated or lacking regular social contact.

While Mens Sheds often appeal to men, we focus on older men and women (ideally aged 50 years +) who live in Ely, Caerau, and the surrounding areas of Cardiff. Whether you’re retired, unemployed, recovering from illness, recently bereaved, new to the area, or simply feeling a bit lost – this is a place where you’ll be welcomed, supported, and valued.

Find your way

Many members find their way to The Dusty Shed through different routes:

  • Referrals from GPs, social prescribers, or community health workers, who recognise the role that regular social interaction and meaningful activity can play in improving mental health and wellbeing.
  • Concerned family members or friends who notice a loved one withdrawing or becoming more isolated, and want to help them re-engage with others.
  • Self-referrals – people who’ve heard about the Shed and think, “That sounds like what I need.”
  • Local community networks, charities, or men’s mental health initiatives that point people our way.

People join for many different reasons:

  • To make friends or simply find someone to talk to
  • To learn new skills or pass on old ones
  • To get out of the house and into a routine
  • To regain confidence after illness, retirement, or bereavement
  • To take part in something that contributes to the wider community
  • Or just to have a cuppa, a chat, and a laugh in good company

Joining in

It doesn’t matter if you’re practical or not.

You don’t have to be a woodworker, engineer, or fixer.
 If you want to be around kind people, share a story, or just feel seen – this is the place.

At The Dusty Shed, it’s not about what you do – it’s about being part of something.


Whatever your reason for walking through the door, you’ll be welcomed just as you are.

Why tackling loneliness and isolation matters

Find out why tackling loneliness and isolation matters to older people, particularly men, how damaging loneliness can be, and the impact on personal health.

Want to know more about The Dusty Shed?
– Read our Report!

Take a moment to read our ‘Summary of Members Activities – 2026‘. You can find out how we’ve been busy as a group, as well as helping people with loneliness and isolation.
Summary of Members Activities 2026 pdf.

The Dusty Shed Membership

The Dusty Shed is all about bringing people together, especially older men who might feel lonely or isolated. We do this through woodworking and craft activities, where everyone can interact and have a good time. Since we don’t have any paid staff and none of us are trained to handle physical or mental health issues, we have a key rule for joining: you need to be able to work safely on your own with various woodworking tools, some of which are quite dangerous. Our more experienced members are always willing to advise and demonstrate.

If you’re thinking about joining or want to see if it’s a good fit for someone you care for, the best way is to visit us and chat with the Chair of our Members’ Committee. We invite potential new members to come by on Fridays between 11:00am and 1:00pm.
Feel free to call or email us to set up a visit.

Opening Times

The Dusty Shed will normally be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 10am to 2pm.

Tuesdays
We are normally open on Tuesdays for our existing members only.

Wednesdays – Wellbeing Group
The Dusty Shed’s Wellbeing Group is a talking social group. It’s a non-woodworking group, where you can spend time talking, about things on your mind, and have time to feel better. Want to know more about the Wellbeing Group – click here.

Thursdays
We are normally open on Thursdays for our existing members only.

Fridays
Prospective New Members.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining the Dusty Shed and would like to visit us for a chat, please phone us on 07395 414683 to arrange a visit, 

For more information, please write to us using our Contact Us page. One of the trustees will get in touch as soon as possible.

Recent Grants

We gratefully acknowledge receipt of grants from the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Yapp Charitable Trust. We would also like to thank Action in Caerau and Ely for their continued help and support.