On the Cancer Cancer Map
One of the valuers of partnership is that there are others looking out to support and help. Deb, a local NHS Link Worker covering cancer patients recommended we put Norton Shed on the Cancer Care Map. We did as you will see below.
There was an option to submit a blog story as well and below is the draft blog that is to be submitted with accompanying photographs. You will read about Macmillan in the next section and the visit we had from Andrea and Fraser.
What a week of new Shed opportunity!
It started on Monday afternoon in Port Clarence with a meeting to which The Shed had been invited to attend by Sarah, one of the Social Prescribing Link Worker team. It was a gathering of around 30 from a variety of agencies, local residents and some volunteer-based groups including ourselves. Steve and Graham attended.
It was one of the best meetings I’ve attended in a long time for the commitment and drive of those who attended. The Clarences is a rather cut of area with a rather indirect and irregular bus service to Stockton. There is no longer a surgery there. We were there to put over what a Shed is and what it does for men. We are exploring . . .
On Wednesday we received Andrea and Fraser of Macmillan Cancer Support. It was a very positive meeting indeed. There were a number of potential collaboration nuggets to work on including sparking an interest in existing Sheds in having a window on cancer support. Fraser is from the West Yorkshire area and has involvement with two Sheds there. We will be meeting up (Graham hopes on WhatsApp with us in our digital suite (that sounds rather posh!). Dennis, Raspberry Dave, Steve and Graham were involved.
The end of funding evaluation is due in mid November. Graham hopes to work with two or three of our Shedders on this very shortly. When one door closes another opens and there is an opportunity to submit an application for funding to support the cancer theme next year. We have already taken the first step of expressing interest.
On Thursday late afternoon we had a Middlesbrough council manager visit because of their interest in establishing a Men’s Shed in South Middlesbrough. Again, a very positive meeting involving Dennis and Graham.
All this and new infrared heaters installed just in time for winter! All areas of the Shed premises tidied up this past fortnight.
Meta Quest 3S
Whitby Town Shed and Norton Shed have both purchased a Meta Quest headset. No, not for playing games (much) but for housebound people to have the opportunity to visit museums (the British Museum, The Louvre in Paris and other places.
The man in the plastic mask. Headset and two handsets.
Perhaps the best experience, however, is simply that of wearing the headset technology itself. It is like walking into Narnia through the wardrobe!
Expect some demos shortly because what the wearer can see as they look around can be projected on screen to an audience to share.
One of the apps available is a 3D graphics tool. The user’s robotic hands do the design and we managed to 3D print the result.
Mission accomplished on that challenge.
Sent feedback of thanks to Autodesk. Well deserved for such a free application!
Autodesk’s TinkerCad has provided so much interest and stimulation for Shedders at Norton Men’s Shed (UK). Importantly, at home too because everyday devices can be used. The men are at a loss because of issues of bereavement, anxiety, isolation, cancer etc. They need distraction from everyday issues. Design and 3D printing is the new woodwork! Thank you Autodesk.
nortonmensshed@gmail.com www.normens.org.uk