WELSH ASSEMBLY candidates Marc Tierney and Joyce Watson were joined by Carwyn Jones in a visit to Pembroke Dock’s men’s shed last week.

The Assembly candidates had met up with members of the men’s shed following the launch of the party’s policy on isolation.

The Men’s Sheds movement, which tackles social isolation, began in Australia 11 years ago and now has more than 2,000 sheds, is an opportunity for men to come together in communities and create a group of their own gaining a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Pembrokeshire South prospective candidate Marc Tierney said: “It’s a really exciting project; Pembroke Dock was one of the early adopters of the Men’s Shed project and they’re springing up all over Wales.

“Isolation is a hidden problem; pub culture has died off a bit, it’s easier for people to stay in their own homes.

“It does provide an opportunity to get together; it’s a great little site down there, they’re learning new skills and getting together.”

Marc emphasised the importance of tackling isolation: “It’s something I come across knocking on doors, it’s really sad speaking to people who don’t get that regular connection.”