About the SMSA
Purpose
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) charity was established on the 30th September 2014 and officially launched in 2015. Click here to read about the history of the SMSA.
It exists to support men aged 18+ to become engaged by voluntarily creating—and/or attending—their own Men’s Sheds in their local communities across Scotland as part of a healthy pathway to mitigate loneliness, boredom and social isolation and ultimately, improve their health and wellbeing.
The SMSA supports new and existing groups to set up and run a Men’s Shed in their local town or community and give a helping hand to anyone looking for assistance or more information on what it means to develop and sustain a Men’s Shed.
Membership and Support
As a membership organisation, the national support hub, has created a two-tier membership scheme for Individual Members (Free) and Shed Members (Annual Fee) and a fit-for-purpose framework, successful support pathway for this male health-by-stealth Movement to become an independent thriving success.
Over the years, the SMSA has grown to provide a wealth of tailored development tools, support, guidance and advice (in accordance with Scottish law) for start-up and established Sheds to make them fit-for-purpose and sustainable including Shed-specific OSCR-approved constitutions; Community Asset Transfer guidance; funding; health and safety procedures; COVID-19 guidance, safe guarding, equality policies etc through our Shed Membership package as well as free promotional opportunities through our communications.
In addition to the above now Scottish Sheds are over a decade old since starting in 2013, the SMSA has also developed a range of sustainability benefits for its Shed Members including discounted insurance, accounts package, electricity, tools, training and learning exchanges through our partnerships.
Promotions and Communications
The charity keeps its members informed and engaged through its regular communications, welcome packs and Shed tool kits. In addition to this, the Association also produces ‘The Scottish Shedder’ magazine bi-monthly to promote the stories and case studies from Sheds and Shedders across Scotland to give the latest snapshot on the Movement and its impact.
The SMSA coordinates Regional Shed network Meetings to allow Sheds in each region to connect, support, share and learn. At these meetings, the SMSA also updates members on the latest governance changes, new benefits and to hear what their needs and challenges are which drives our development strategies. The SMSA is the voice of the Movement and represents the sector nationally at events and by sitting on various cross-party strategic groups.