New chair of council chooses Men’s Shed as her chosen charity

The new chair of Babergh District Council will be supporting a cause close to her heart which “offers hope to others”.

Elisabeth Malvisi, (pictured above) Independent member for Long Melford, was elected as the new council chair on May 23. Simon Dowling, Green party member for Hadleigh North, was elected to serve as vice chair.

For her term, councillor Malvisi’s chosen charity will be Long Melford Men’s Shed. It supports men’s mental wellbeing by providing a space which helps reduce isolation, develop new skills and encourage new connections and friendships.

She said: “It’s a new local chapter of a national initiative that aims to help raise awareness of the mental health struggles that men can sometimes experience, often in plain sight. It creates a space for men to help tackle feelings of isolation and provide a way for them to actively contribute to their community and purpose.

“I have experienced the loss of a son who struggled to face difficult circumstance, and I wanted to take this opportunity to help men across the district recognise their skills and help and support an organisation that offers hope to others.”

Councillor Malvisi, who has previously served as the cabinet member for environment, succeeds former chair Kathryn Grandon.