Honorary Doctorate for leading men’s health advocate

Jason Schroeder is both the founder and now CEO of the SMSA, a charitable organisation dedicated to developing and supporting local Men’s Shed groups. These volunteer-run spaces provide a welcoming environment where men can come together to socialise in a safe environment, work on shared projects, build friendships, and find a renewed sense of purpose.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Jason’s work with the SMSA and its members across Scotland is truly inspiring. The presence of Men’s Sheds across the North East—where the movement began—and now throughout Scotland, highlights the significant, positive impact these spaces have on our communities. They combat isolation and genuinely transform the lives of the men who engage with them.”

After immigrating to Aberdeenshire from South Africa in 1997, Jason brought with him a wealth of life experience—from serving in the South African marines to managing his family’s newspaper business from the age of just 23. These experiences shaped his passion for grassroots community change.

Jason’s journey with Men’s Sheds began back in 2009, when he attended a talk in Inverurie by Dr Neil Bruce, Chairman of the New Zealand Men’s Sheds Association, who was visiting Scotland while on holiday. This encounter sparked Jason’s deep involvement in the movement. Over the next four years, he co-founded the UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA), representing Scotland, and helped establish the country’s first Men’s Shed in Westhill, Aberdeenshire.

The Westhill Shed quickly became a success story, attracting over 5,000 visits in its first 18 months and evolving into a self-sustaining charity. Jason served as a trustee for six years and used this experience to champion the spread of Men’s Sheds across Scotland.

Recognising a growing need, Jason became the first paid Men’s Shed Development Officer in Scotland, working with Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action to replicate the Westhill model across the region. As demand increased and it became clear that Scotland needed its own support structure, Jason founded the SMSA in 2014—an independent charity created to guide and grow the movement across the country.

The SMSA officially launched in November 2015 at The Lighthouse in Glasgow, followed by a regional roadshow that introduced the concept to communities across Scotland. Within a year, the organisation received startup funding from the Scottish Government to support paid roles, recognising the important role the SMSA plays in preventative health and community cohesion, particularly for men who are often underserved or isolated.

Jason’s pioneering work continues to bring men together across Scotland under the powerful slogan: Silent – No More. Under his leadership, the SMSA—backed by a small, dedicated staff team and board of trustees—has become a transformative force. It provides safe spaces where men can connect, share, and support one another, turning isolation into camaraderie and purpose.

Today, over a decade since its founding, the SMSA supports more than 200 Men’s Sheds across Scotland, serving over 10,000 men and boasting more than 4,500 individual members—making it Scotland’s largest member-led male health charity. The movement promotes health, wellbeing, and community involvement for men over 18, particularly those with time on their hands due to retirement, unemployment, shift work, or military service.

On Thursday 3rd July 2025, Jason was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at P&J Live in Aberdeen—an honour recognising his extraordinary contribution to Scotland’s communities and men’s wellbeing.