Game on for Loughgiel Men’s Shed as a Housing Executive grant helps to revamp snooker facilities

It is game on for Loughgiel Men’s Shed as a Housing Executive grant has helped to revamp snooker facilities.

Loughgiel Community Association was awarded a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant of £2000 to give the popular social space a facelift.

Pictured with one of the two refurbished snooker tables at Loughgiel Community Centre are, (left to right) Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Causeway, Michelle Smyth, Operations Manager, Loughgiel Community Association, Paddy Coyles, Men’s Shed, Patrick McCullough, Men’s Shed, Deirdre Rafferty, Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officer, Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association, and Gerard Dallas, Men’s Shed. The group was awarded a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant to give the shed’s social space a revamp. CREDIT NIHE

placeholder image — Pictured with one of the two refurbished snooker tables at Loughgiel Community Centre are, (left to right) Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Causeway, Michelle Smyth, Operations Manager, Loughgiel Community Association, Paddy Coyles, Men’s Shed, Patrick McCullough, Men’s Shed, Deirdre Rafferty, Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officer, Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association, and Gerard Dallas, Men’s Shed. The group was awarded a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant to give the shed’s social space a revamp. CREDIT NIHE

Rediscovering our Men is a project designed to make the men’s shed a more inviting space for the community and local area.

Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association, said, “Support from the Housing Executive has helped to re-cover two snooker tables, purchase new cue extenders, snooker balls and refresh the space with a fresh coat of paint, creating a welcoming and well-maintained environment for members and visitors.

Pictured trying out Loughgiel Community Association’s re-covered snooker tables are (left to right), Deirdre Rafferty, Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officer, Lee-Anne Doherty, Loughgiel Community Association and Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Causeway. CREDIT NIHE

“Practical improvements in the project have given members a sense of purpose, pride and achievement,” she said.

“Our work continues to have a clear and positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in a space where men can talk openly, build friendships and reduce the isolation that many experience.

“Improvements have also encouraged men to attend regularly and has helped us welcome several new members.

“Playing snooker has also provided gentle physical activity that keeps members active while encouraging concentration, coordination and social interaction,” concluded Lesley-Anne.

Members of Loughgiel Community Association, Men’s Shed (left to right) Gerard Dallas and Patrick McCullough focus on their game in the Men’s Shed as part of the ‘Rediscovering our Men’ project which received a Housing Executive Community Involvement grant to improve their services. CREDIT NIHE

Gareth Doran, Northern Ireland Housing Executive Good Relations Officer for the Causeway area, said, “We are delighted to hear that this project which combines social connection and physical activity has made a real difference to the confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging for all who use it.

“We wish them all the best for the future of their project.”