Middlesbrough’s one and only Men’s Shed has been awarded free food on a weekly basis through the Greggs Unsold Food Donations programme.

Greggs Unsold Food Donations are awarded to soup kitchens, food banks, and shelters for the homeless and vulnerable people.

The Men’s Shed in Middlesbrough, based out of the Frade store on Marton Road, encourages socially isolated individuals to come and participate in woodwork, upholstery, upcycling and painting.

The work our shedders undertake hasn’t gone unrecognised, as they have earned a large following of supporters through helping both our local and wider community through other none profit organisations and charities, such as Zoe’s Place and The Wildlife Trust.

Greggs has recognised the great work the Men’s Shed are doing and can see how the community benefits from the project in addition to the social benefits such a project provides for it’s participants.

That’s why Greggs decided they are eligible to receive these donations in the hope that the project can continue to benefit the community and support more participants through joining the Men’s Shed.

Credit goes to Shaun Khan, Manager of the Frade reuse charity store in Middlesbrough, for approaching Greggs and reaching out.

Shaun recognises the hardship and struggles the shedders face on a daily basis, he also knows that even one small act of kindness can really make a difference to a person’s life and mental wellbeing.

One shedder said:

“It may be a sausage roll. It may be a pasty. Maybe even a donut!

The main thing is it puts a smile on our faces and reminds us that there is help out there and there is genuine people and organisations that can and want to help!”

From everyone at Frade and the Men’s Shed we would like to say a huge THANK YOU! to Greggs and thank you for supporting us.