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.
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.
It’s a place where Shedders can pick up skills as you go along from more experienced members.
Examples of work…
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
- Building St. Fagans Community Library Boxes
The Dusty Shed team has been busy creating a new set of Community Library Boxes for St. Fagans Community Council. The… Read more: Building St. Fagans Community Library Boxes - The Dusty Shed is 10!
The Dusty Shed is 10! We celebrate 10 years of bringing people together, tackling loneliness and isolation The Dusty Shed is… Read more: The Dusty Shed is 10! - Transforming Memories: Rose’s Journey to Honour Her Son
In June 2024, Rose’s baby son, Lawin, sadly passed away. Rose held onto his cot bed, unable to part with it.… Read more: Transforming Memories: Rose’s Journey to Honour Her Son - Community Skills in Action: Schools Visit the Dusty Shed
In December 2025, the Dusty Shed ran a community workshop introducing primary school children to basic woodworking skills through making clocks.… Read more: Community Skills in Action: Schools Visit the Dusty Shed - The Dusty Shed Supports Tools With A Mission (TWAM)
Since March 2024, the Dusty Shed has been supporting Tools With A Mission (TWAM), a UK charity that collects and refurbishes… Read more: The Dusty Shed Supports Tools With A Mission (TWAM) - The Dusty Shed Builds Planters for Community at CAER Heritage
Community growing made easier for families and little ones to discover the joy of growing. Something exciting is growing at the… Read more: The Dusty Shed Builds Planters for Community at CAER Heritage
Go to our Blog page for more stories
Who is the Dusty Shed for?
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
Want to know more about The Dusty Shed?
– Read our Report!
Take a moment to read our ‘Summary of Dusty Shed Activities – Nov 2024‘. You can find out how we’ve been busy as a group, as well as helping people with loneliness and isolation.
Please read
– Summary of Dusty Shed Activities – Nov 2024
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.