Living Legacies – Peter Hollis

Peter Hollis, founded Men’s Shed Lichfield after retiring from a career in commercial and project management.

Men’s Sheds are a community space for men to connect, talk and create. With activities similar to garden sheds and workshops, but for groups of likeminded men to enjoy together.

Peter said: “Many men find that life after retirement is blighted by isolation and loneliness.

This can be just as true for those that have a life partner at home as it can for those that find themselves alone. The camaraderie of work can be sorely missed, and Men’s Sheds can really help.

With no Men’s Shed in the area, I decided to stop moaning about there not being one and set one. With the support and guidance of my fellow trustees, that is exactly what we have done.

I hoped that a few would come along, and it would help people that were feeling a little lost like me. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO

With no Men’s Shed in the area, I decided to stop moaning about there not being one and set one. With the support and guidance of my fellow trustees, that is exactly what we have done.

I hoped that a few would come along, and it would help people that were feeling a little lost like me.

Richard, a member of Men’s Shed Lichfield said: “The Men’s Shed is fantastic, we share skills, learn from one another and you get to meet new and likeminded people.

It’s certainly tackled loneliness, there are people here that live alone, and it gives them a place they enjoy going. In between the graft you can expect to be drinking plenty of tea as well as a lot of chat and friendly banter.

Don, another member of Men’s Shed said: “I retired early from a career as a film camera man and set up my own business running a cabinet making and restoration business. Over time and with age, ill health got the better of me and I had to close my business. This left me with no sense of purpose or belonging.

I thought, if I can’t do the things I love, who am I? What am I? Life was over. Then I discovered the Men’s Shed.

“Here I’m teaching and learning – it’s given me a new lease of life. Men’s Shed has a good range of tools and machinery and we work together sharing skills as we go. It’s given me the boost I needed; it’s absolutely great.

I’ve met many people that I never would have met otherwise. I have enormous respect for each of the men here; they became instant friends and now they’re friends for life.”

Men’s Shed Lichfield is one of over 500 men’s sheds in the UK and have proven to help reduce loneliness, isolation and most importantly, provide a place for people to bond and have fun.

Since opening in 2021, it has become a place to share skills, learn new skills, pursue interests and whilst doing so to chat, laugh and form new friendships.

Peter says: “I’m so pleased to see that it’s sparking so much interest and it’s growing strength to strength as the months go on.”