About the Men's Hub

In late September 2014, I was admitted to hospital because l couldn't feel my feet. Two weeks later, both my legs were amputated below the knee. Soon after that, my fingers started to go black and became distorted. They were surgically removed in April 2015. These issues were caused by an unexplained loss of circulation to my extremities causing gangrene in my feet and hands. Not surprisingly, this sudden change to my life and well-being caused great anxiety and distress to both me and my family. I was in various hospitals for 10 months and l will always be eternally grateful to the staff of the NHS for their astonishing care and for saving my life.

Naturally, life in the real world changed somewhat, and everyday tasks became huge challenges. I had to learn to walk with prosthetic legs. Eating without fingers meant that more food went onto my clothes than in my mouth! Normal activities were so frustrating, and l thought at that time that my world had come crashing down.

Over time, l realized that my life hadn't necessarily got worse, it was just different. l can now walk reasonably well with my prosthetic legs. l'm able to eat food rather than wear it. l go to shopping or to cafes.

We moved to Bournemouth in 2015. l was medically retired from work, and l'd always wanted to retire to the seaside. l needed to occupy my mind, so l started to look around for things to do. lnitially l started an Open University degree. It was going very well, but something was missing. It became clear that l needed some human interaction. l looked around for things to do and was surprised to find a vast array of activities on my doorstep. I now enjoy a local group or pastime every week.

l recently joined the Men's 2020 Vision Hub in Seabourne Road as l was keen to start making things. I was a bit apprehensive at first as l expected to be turned away due to my disabilities .I needn't have worried! Phil took me through all the tools at my induction and between us worked out what machines l would be able to use. Since then, l have made a stool, a wall clock and most recently, a mantel clock ( shown in picture) If l need help, l just ask, and either Phil, David( a volunteer) or one of the lads using the workshop are more than happy to help.

Since joining, l have felt a great sense of fulfilment and camaraderie and have no doubt that the Men's Hub has helped enormously with my mental health and well- being.