The Fircroft Trust in Surbiton successfully launched a 'Man Shed' centre to help support men experiencing mental health issues in the community.

'Man Sheds' are community spaces just like many of the garden sheds found throughout the UK.

They offer men including those affected by mental health problems the chance to connect with each other, work on creative projects and design and build new things.

The Fircroft Trust made the announcement Tuesday (August 6) after a successful first stage of crowdfunding that has seen them raise over £5,000 for the scheme.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we have reached our target for the first stage of our Man Shed project.

"We are simply overwhelmed by how this project has resonated with so many people and how you have responded by being so incredibly supportive and generous," a spokesperson for the project said in a statement posted to the group's crowdfunding website.

They revealed that the shed had already got underway, with several men from the community regularly attending the sessions, which run on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.

"Our Man Shed (supports) good mental health, by helping men feel good about themselves, by being productive, feeling valuable, making friends and keeping the mind and body active," a spokesperson for the team behind the project said.

"It (is) a place where men can share their skills and knowledge with others, learn a new skill or redevelop skills they already have...and make them feel valued," they added.

The Fircroft Trust are a mental health non-profit based in Surbiton that offer guidance and support for those living with learning disabilities and mental health issues in the area.

The charity's team behind the Surbiton Man Shed pointed out the male mental health crisis in the UK, which has seen suicide become the most common cause of death for British males under 49.

Going forward, the Trust aim to continue the crowdfunding project after receiving sufficient donations and raising enough money to open the centre for attendees.

Further funds will allow them to accumulate more tools for their creative projects, lay suitable decking for the floor and erect some shade for their outdoor work benches.

To donate, go to https://www.spacehive.com/manshed