23 September 2026

Issued on behalf of Shrewsbury Men’s Shed

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Shrewsbury Men’s Shed to celebrate the charity’s remarkable achievements in improving the health and wellbeing of local men and supporting the wider community.

The Princess Royal toured the award-winning facility at the West Midlands Showground on Thursday 17 September, meeting members known as “Shedders” and visiting the community kitchen, metal and woodworking workshops, and the restored greenhouse, all of which play a key role in the charity’s activities.

Since 2021, Shrewsbury Men’s Shed has grown into a thriving community organisation with more than 130 members from across the region. Through practical projects, social connections and volunteering opportunities, the charity has delivered a wide range of initiatives that have enhanced life in Shrewsbury while providing purpose, friendship and support for local men.

The visit comes following a series of significant achievements for the charity. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed was named UK Men’s Shed Association Men’s Shed of the Year 2024, while its founder and chairman, Simon Rouse, received the Mayor’s Award for outstanding work in the community.

The charity was also recognised nationally for its partnership work with Lingen Davies Cancer Support and The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), receiving a UK Men’s Shed Association award at the Houses of Parliament.

A key focus of the royal visit was the Shed’s work supporting people affected by cancer. The Princess Royal learned about Men Like Us, a monthly cancer support group created by SaTH’s Personalised Care Team for men living with or affected by a cancer diagnosis, from several of the founding volunteers.

Hosted at the Shed, the group provides a welcoming space for men to share experiences, access support and build connections.

The Princess Royal also heard about the free horticultural therapy sessions delivered by Alexis Stone of Bloomin’ Lovely, funded by Lingen Davies Cancer Support.

The programme supports people living with and beyond cancer, helping participants improve their wellbeing through gardening and outdoor activities.

Alongside Alexis Stone, Chief Operating Officer of Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Emma Backhouse, was also present to meet The Princess Royal.

Simon Rouse, Chairman of Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, said: “If you had told me five years ago, when we had no floor, no walls, no running water, no money and no men, that we would be in this position today, I would not have believed you.

“The honour of a royal visit is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members and the incredible support we have received from the local community. We would also like to thank the trustees of the West Midlands Showground for giving us the opportunity to create such an amazing and well-used space.”

Katey Evans, Trustee at Shrewsbury Men’s Shed and Personalised Care Navigator at SaTH, said: “It was a privilege to welcome many of the people who have supported and contributed to the Shed to our home at the West Midlands Showground for this special occasion.

“Men are often described as ‘hard to reach’ by professionals working in health and social care, particularly given concerns around disproportionately high rates of suicide, alcoholism, homelessness and undiagnosed illness. What we have found is that men are easy to engage when they have something meaningful to do and a brew.”

The Shed continues to support men’s health and wellbeing through a range of regular activities, including its popular ‘Tuck In Tuesdays’ and occasional ‘Fry Up Fridays’, where members can enjoy homemade food, companionship and informal conversation.

Following her visit to Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, The Princess Royal went on to meet volunteers from West Mercia Search and Rescue, another local charity making a significant contribution to communities across the region.

For more information about Shrewsbury Men’s Shed and the support available to local people, visit www.shrewsburymensshed.co.uk.