Expansion of Women’s Sheds underway across Laois

Plans are underway to expand the network of Women’s Sheds across Laois.

Following the success of Women’s Sheds in Rathdowney, Portarlington and more recently Portlaoise, work has begun to set up more Women Shed groups in various parts of the county where there is interest.

Laois Partnership Company are in the process of setting up a new Women’s Shed in Mountmellick and recently held an initial meeting on Tuesday with the support of Mountmellick Family Resource Centre which had a large attendance. A second information meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm in the MDA building to give the public an overview of what’s involved.

The hope is that enough women will come forward to form a working group to develop and operate a Women’s Shed for Mountmellick.

Speaking to the Leinster Express/Laois Live this week Karen Bambrick, Community Development Officer with Laois Partnership Company, said the benefits of having a Women’s Shed in the community is to connect women, make friends, have some fun and is open to women of all ages.

“Post-Covid people are still finding it difficult to get out and meet people. The Women’s shed is about bringing women together, primarily for the social aspect. It is important to have support from others and to meet women who you can share your experience with.”

Each Women’s Shed is unique and the activities they do vary right across the country. One of the aims of each Shed is to utilise skills that women have be it baking, crafts, gardening and share those skills with other women.

Karen also stated: "We would be encouraging people to meet outside the shed and form relationships so you can meet for a coffee, go for a walk, etc “.

“Laois Partnership Company’s role in collaboration with other agencies is about supporting as many women as possible together. We will empower women and enable them to set up, manage and develop a Women’s Shed themselves.

“Each shed will have its own identity. The membership should be fluid and people can join when they want. If they don’t want to do an activity they don’t have to attend. If they want to step away for a while and want to come back again, that's ok, they won’t lose their space.”

If you are interested in learning more about Women’s Sheds you can contact Karen at Laois Partnership on 087 2802411.