Kempsey Men's Shed Association is back open and looking for new members

The not-for-profit organisation has been operating in Kempsey since 2007, and offer a supportive social environment to work on projects and interact with other like minded people.

Club president, William Holden told the Argus that he joined the shed for a release, after working as a train driver for 30 years.

"I come here for a particular reason myself, being an ex-train driver I was involved with multiple fatalities," Mr Holden said.

"That got inside my head, upset me for five to ten years and has taken about five or six years to get past it.

"But I can actually talk about it now.

"The Men's Shed was set up for that reason, to help people talk about their problems because the more you talk about them, the better you are."

The group is a part of the Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) who prioritise the wellbeing of all men, and look to prevent social isolation by providing a safe, welcoming place to work on meaningful projects and contribute to the wider community.

"People just come here, sit down and have a bit of a yarn with the boys you know," Mr Holden said.

"Twenty years ago I couldn't talk about my problem but now I can."

The shed also hosts computer training for the elderly on Mondays, and ladies day on Tuesdays.

Giving back to the community is a priority for them, and club vice president, Allan Sewell said that he was looking forward to collaborating with the public again.

"We used go to nursing homes, and take some toys in, and they paint them for us, and then we send it to the Anglican Church, so it will be great when we can do that," Mr Sewell said.

"What we try and do is, to keep our money turning over, we like members to do a job for us, and then a job for themselves."

Membership is $20 per year, and $2 entry each day, the newly renovated shed located at the Kempsey Golf Course, now has a spacious seating area and a disabled bathroom with all amenities.

"If you have any projects that you would love to do or think that you can't do, bring it out and we'll have a go at it," Mr Holden said.

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