Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. I want to talk for 90 seconds about Men’s Sheds Cymru and the men’s shed movement. The original concept of men’s sheds was established in Australia 11 years ago as part of a health infrastructure that supports programmes to improve men’s health and well-being, and to assist in tackling social isolation.

Now, we’re all familiar with the saying, ‘From little acorns grow mighty oaks’. Well, the Squirrel’s Nest in my constituency of Ogmore—Tondu to be more precise—is home to the first working men’s shed in Wales, and, since its inception in 2002, I’ve had the great pleasure—and I know other Assembly Members, some of whom are here today, have—of visiting them on a number of occasions. There are currently 34 men’s sheds in Wales, including Maesteg ShedQuarters. Whilst they tend to be self-governed, self-supporting and sustainable, and they have access via their official website to expert advice on writing a constitution, funding ideas, understanding health and safety and help with insurance, Robert, who is involved with the Squirrel’s Nest, is joint chair of the association of Men’s Sheds Cymru, and is in the process of setting up the Men’s Sheds Cymru co-operative as the main association in Wales, with the support of the Wales Co-operative Centre, enabling it to become a community benefit society and co-operative. It will be yet another first for Ogmore and for Wales, and Robert will be a founder director of the new association.

No two sheds are the same; they’re as individual and diverse as the original back garden shed, a place where men can escape from the stresses of everyday life, to escape, too, to pursue their interests. Storytellers, crafters making music and amateur radio enthusiasts can all be accommodated but, crucially, it’s a place where isolation and loneliness are addressed in a friendly environment and where men can chat and enjoy each other’s company.