A DESPERATE plea has come from the dedicated team behind a community group for men that helps tackle loneliness as the group risks losing its home amid redevelopment.

The Silvers’ Workshop in Reading is part of the Men’s Shed charity which provides a space for older men to meet new people, socialise, and share new skills and experiences over a cup of tea or a work bench.

The current premises on Hilcot Road has served the group for seven years where it has created a workshop for members to find refuge from loneliness.

However, the group is desperately looking to find a new home for the workshop as it's current home faces potential redevelopment.

The group has released a plea to anyone who may be able to help them find a non-commercial property that the group could call home.

Chairman Barry Fowler said: “We’ve been in existence for about 10 years now. We started off in Lower Earley where we received £1,500 funding from an Earley charity.

“We then moved into Jacksons in Reading for two years and now we’re in Hilcot road. The building used to be a chemist and we’ve been renting off the owner since he retired.

“This is the fourth time that the owner has put in for planning permission and this time it will get approved. After the planning permission goes through within a month, he will sell it and we will be given three months’ notice.”

During the year, the Silver Workshop make its presence known at local fairs and market, selling the things that the group have made year-round in the workshop.

These sales, as well as the £75 yearly membership from their members, goes towards the rent and running costs for the current premises.

With limited funding however, a commercial rent property is not on the cards. The current rent for a 2000sq ft workshop is all that is needed to sustain them which at the moment is £16,000 a year.

According to Barry, the Silvers’ Workshop has not only provided refuge from loneliness, but it has also improved the health of those recovering from stroke and other illnesses.

It is known to give members the time and space to discuss their health issues, general problems and worries with others who will sit and listen.

As more evidence is coming to light that isolation and loneliness can be as hazardous as obesity and smoking, the fear is that the loss of the centre will impact current members who will be left without a place to share and connect with other men.

“It’s a great organisation that I and a couple of others have built over the past 10 years, and I don’t want it to finish,” Fowler added.

“I’m working hard to make sure it doesn’t close but basically if we don’t, we’ll be given no choice. I think it will affect a lot of our members.”

If you are able to help support the group in the search for a new home, contact Nicole.mcbride@newsquest.co.uk