Beneficiaries
Who benefits from Men's Sheds?
Men’s Sheds are for ALL men over the age of 18—young and old; skilled and non-skilled; employed and unemployed; religious and non-religious...the list goes on.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement currently reaches an estimated 10,000+ men (aged 18+) across Scotland and it continues to grow at a rapid rate. This figure however does not include the family, friends and members of the community who benefit as a result of a person becoming a member of their local Shed. The SMSA estimates that at least five people interact positively with a Shedder and also reap the benefits of this voluntary participation.
The majority of Shedders are aged 60 and over – many retired, widowed, living alone, no family close by and/or have poor health – and Sheds are a place for them that they choose to attend to make friends; become an active citizen in their community; learn or pass on skills and experience; take part in hobbies/activities; hear and talk about health campaigns; or simply go along for a cup of tea and a chat. The Shed, and their involvement, can be whatever they want it to be.
The Movement is also evolving at a rapid rate and take up from younger Shedders and intergenerational working is on the increase. Through SMSA and Shed’s regular awareness raising of the aged 18+ model in Scotland—through the promotion of articles and personal stories in the public domain and media and sharing of traditional and modern skills through mentoring—the perceptions that Sheds are only for older men is quickly becoming a thing of the past.