It started with a shed and a cuppa – Nobby and Jim’s story

Broken table? To the dump. Old lamp not working? In the bin it goes. Clock stopped ticking? Buy a new one.

For many of us, fixing things has quietly been replaced by throwing them away and buying new.

But for friends Nobby and Jim, that never sat right. They grew up repairing, reusing and making do. So, they asked a simple question: what if we fixed things together instead?

Their answer was Men in Sheds – a community project where people of all ages can learn practical skills, repair everyday items and spend time together. But this is about more than fixing things. It’s about reducing waste, sharing skills and creating a place where people feel welcome and useful.

This project is supported by the Climate Action Fund (CAF). CAF supports communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in environmental action.

Fixing more than broken things

Nobby has always liked making and mending. His shed at home was a place to tinker, fix household items and enjoy working with his hands.

When he retired, he began to wonder how to share those skills. Jim felt the same. Between them, they had time, experience and a strong belief that practical knowledge shouldn’t be lost.

What they did not have was the equipment or space to open things up to others. Funding helped change that. With the right tools and machinery, Men in Sheds became a welcoming place where people could learn, repair and connect.

It is not a typical climate action project – but it’s a powerful one. By repairing instead of replacing, they’re helping the planet. By doing it together, they’re supporting people’s wellbeing and tackling loneliness.

And yes, there’s plenty of tea along the way.

How Men in Sheds works

The idea is simple and open to everyone:

• If something breaks, bring it along instead of throwing it away
• Nobby, Jim and the team will try their best to repair it
• If it can’t be fixed, reuse parts and materials where possible
• If repaired items are not needed, they’re sold to help keep the project running

The project restores, repairs and rehomes items within the local community, keeping materials in use for longer.

Around 80 to 90% of the timber they use is reclaimed, often from off cuts that would otherwise go to landfill. This reduces waste, saves money and shows what’s possible with a bit of creativity and care.

“Sometimes people want to get repairs done because they can't afford to go out and buy new. It’s all about diverting things from landfill, giving people new skills and creating a community within our area.” – Nobby, Men in Sheds project

Building momentum, one repair at a time

Men in Sheds started small. At first, Nobby and Jim ran one session a month.

Word spread quickly. People came for repairs and stayed for the company, the learning and the sense of purpose. Today, the project runs three sessions a week, welcoming a growing mix of older and younger people.

Skills are shared both ways. Older members pass on practical know-how, while younger people bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. Everyone learns something, including Nobby and Jim.

The project continues to grow, shaped by the community it serves. and the needs people bring through the door.

Get started

Community climate action doesn’t always look like big infrastructure or complex technology. Sometimes, it starts in a shed, with a broken chair, a kettle on and a conversation.

We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes. We offer grants from £300 up to £20,000 through our open Awards for All programme to grants over £500,000 through our Climate Action Fund.

Find out more about environment funding in your area and apply