A MEN'S Shed has been launched in Salisbury to provide a space for members of the community to get involved with practical projects, while making friends and learning new skills.

From fixing wheelchairs to woodwork, picture framing and jewellery making, the shed based at Alabaré's head office promises to provide a range of both team and individual projects for men and women to get involved with.

Additionally Men's Shed will be offering the community a space for socialising and trying something new with like-minded people.

The shed was officially opened by Salisbury MP, John Glen earlier today, who instead of cutting a ribbon was requested to saw a plank of wood.

Mr Glen said: "This will be a massive contribution to the people of Salisbury, men and women, to come spend some time and chew things over, and it aligns completely with the wonderful work of Alabaré who I support very, very fully in this constituency."

The chief executive of Alabaré, Andrew Lord, said: "It's been a wonderful opening event today, and the six months of hard work from a team of dedicated volunteers really shows.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how Men's Shed flourishes."

He added: "They [the committee] have created something very special, we didn't just want this space to be a head office but a community building as well.

"If you don't find me at my desk in the future, I'm going to be here."

The shed will be open every Wednesday from 9am until 12.30pm, but the committee aspire for more days and hours to be added once volunteers and resources have increased.

Executive and volunteering manager at Alabaré, Jo King said: "It's so lovely that a shed has brought so many people together, I'm so pleased I helped make it happen and can watch it grow.

"Men's Shed are in line with Alabaré's vision which is to help people have a fulfilling life and so we started the venture, we had a public meeting, the committee was formed, and we got to here."

Men's Shed was first discussed in March before becoming a reality half a year later, joining the nationwide UK Men's Sheds Association, with the space designed to be representative of a shed that can be found in the back garden with similar purposes.

Men's Shed committee member, Jenny Larsson, is "excited what the Men's Shed could bring", adding that the shed is not only open to those who want new manual skills, but also members of the community feeling divorced, lonely or in need of a new social setting.

For more information or to join the Men's Shed scheme, contact John on 07561 849787 or email salisburymensshed@gmail.com