A GROUNDBREAKING scheme which provides a lifeline for men in danger of becoming isolated could be introduced to help two villages.

The Essex Shed Network wants to set up a new project for the rural villages of Boxted and Langham.

So-called ‘Sheds’ - places where men can meet up for support and advice - have been set up across the county.

But organisers now need to gather support for the Boxted and Langham scheme to check it would be viable.

A special meeting has been arranged for people to find out more.

The sheds allow men to come together and talk while taking part in a practical project such as woodwork.

It gives those involved a chance to learn, pass on or exercise skills.

Gary Nicholas, from the Essex Shed Network, said: “We are now looking at the viability of getting a Men’s Shed established in a location which sits between Langham and Boxted villages.

“To this end we have already presented to Boxted Parish Council who are very much on board with the idea.

“Subsequently they offered us their village hall at no cost for an evening where we can invite interested members of the surrounding communities to come and find out more about us and Men’s Sheds.”

At the meeting at Boxted Village Hall there will be a video and presentation from 7pm on Wednesday May 22.

Organisers will be on hand to answer questions about location and how to get involved.

There are now 18 ‘sheds’ which are in place or being set up across the county.

The first shed was set up in Maldon in 2016 after Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service teamed up with its Uttlesford counterpart.

Last year, the scheme was awarded £299,277 by the Reaching Communities England Big Lottery Fund to help the project for three years.

To find out more information visit www.essexshednetwork.co.uk.