‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 opens for applications

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today opened its prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 to applications from Men’s Sheds across Scotland.

The awards recognise and reward the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society – telling the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole.  The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom again this year as part of the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th November 2021.

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement began in 2009 and the first-ever Shed opened in Westhill in Aberdeenshire in 2013. There are now 190+ Sheds across Scotland, identified on the SMSA’s online ‘Find a Shed’ map, voluntarily engaging over 10,000 men. Men’s Sheds have a positive impact in supporting men’s health and wellbeing and encourage members to become more engaged within their communities to reduce social isolation and loneliness and also, needed now more than ever, provide a unique pathway towards post-COVID-19 recovery.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to launch these awards, for the third year, to celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. Sheds are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of men (aged 18 and over) through friendship, support and camaraderie and we want to hear from Scottish Sheds on the impact they are having within their localities. 

“We also want to know about the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them so that other Sheds can learn from their experience.  Although, the event is being carried out online again this year, it certainly will not stop the Shedders coming together to share experiences and learn from each other.”

Last year, The Inverclyde Shed was crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020 – receiving 36% of the total votes from the public. Bruce Newlands, Chair of The Inverclyde Shed, said: “It was a huge surprise being awarded this title from the SMSA, particularly given the difficulties we and every Shed experienced learning to live with COVID-19. The award has helped unlock doors and make new partnerships with a range of people that we previously had not connected with. Many other Sheds have reached out in friendship to learn from how we’ve done things and the lessons we have learned. The award has also brought a great sense of pride to our Shed and our area – a belief that we can be confident that we are really making a difference.”

In 2019, Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed scooped the title of the very first ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’.  The Shed was recognised for the incredible work carried out since its inception in 2016 and the team of seven men who carried out 30,000 man-hours over the 104-week construction process on its Shed build before its official opening in May 2019. Mike O’Brien, Chairman of the Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed, said: “Since winning the title in 2019, we have had a busy and successful time – our reputation just seemed to escalate and we have recently won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service too.”

Scottish Sheds – that are members of the SMSA – can apply online by midnight on Sunday 26th September 2021. Shortlisted Sheds will be selected from all of the applications by SMSA’s Trustees before going to a public vote for two weeks from Monday 4th October 2021 in the run-up to the event. The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the day.  The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy – designed and collectively created by SMSA and several Scottish Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year in addition to receiving an array of prizes from supporting organisations.

Men’s Sheds representation opportunity at upcoming Unforgotten Forces events

Unforgotten Forces is a partnership of leading charities, including the SMSA, offering a doorway to camaraderie (and extra support if needed) for older members of the ex-service community in Scotland.

The Consortium would welcome participation from Men’s Sheds in the Unforgotten Forces autumn programme of events.

**PLEASE NOTE: This event has now passed**

Unforgotten Forces North of Scotland Day
Tuesday 28th September 2021

On the 28th September, the Consortium will be hosting an Unforgotten Forces North of Scotland Day. In the morning, the Scottish Older People’s Assembly will canvas older members of the ex-service community about what matters to them and the support they need in later life. The afternoon will be a conference for staff and volunteers from Unforgotten Forces partners. For confirmed programme and venue details, please email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk.


Older Veterans Awareness Training
Thursday 30th September 2021

If your Shed would like to involve more older ex-servicemen but you don’t know where to start, you can join the online Older Veterans Awareness Training on Thursday 30th September 2021, 10am-12.30pm, click here to book. 


Unforgotten Forces induction
Monday 4th October 2021

If you are veteran-aware but want to know how you can work with the Unforgotten Forces partnership to boost support for ex-service Shedders, you can join the Unforgotten Forces induction (also online) on Monday 4th October 2021, 10am-12.30pm, email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk to book your place.



For more information on Unforgotten Forces, you can visit the website and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

EVENT: Men’s Sheds Research Showcase and Launch of the Men’s Shed Toolkit for UK & Ireland

**PLEASE NOTE: This event has now passed**

This Zoom event is the final showcase of Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) Sheds for Sustainable Development Project findings and the official launch of the UK and Ireland Men’s Shed Toolkit. 

Register today to attend this exciting event showcasing the findings of the four-year GCU ‘Sheds for Sustainable Development Project’, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, and the official launch of the first-ever Men’s Shed Toolkit for the UK and Ireland.

Join Shedders, Shed support agencies, practitioners, policymakers and academics for this one-off event – bringing everyone together in support of the Men’s Shed Movement.

The event will include:

  • An overview of key project findings on what Men’s Sheds need to sustain and develop and the health and wellbeing impacts of Shed activities on their users
  • Special guest speakers from across the UK and Ireland
  • The official launch of the first-ever UK and Ireland Men’s Shed toolkit – a one stop-shop for all your Shedding needs


 

Author Talks: An Exclusive Scottish Shedders’ Audience with Michael Malone

**PLEASE NOTE: This event has now passed**

Men’s Shed Govan is proud to announce the third in its series of free, live, online discussions with Scottish authors exclusive to Shedders across Scotland.

The third author is Glasgow’s prize-winning, Scottish crime fiction writer, Michael J Malone who is particularly famous for writing the DI Ray McBain trilogy series. 

The Zoom event will take place on Wednesday 14th July 2021 from 7-8pm and is completely FREE to attend.  Previous Author Talk events have been extremely well attended and an enjoyable and entertaining evening for all. Men’s Shed Govan is excited to be joining fellow Shedders from all over Scotland and look forward to seeing you all online.

In order to attend, there are a few things you need to know and do:

1. PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY (WED 14th JULY AT 7PM); AND
2. REGISTER FOR THE FREE EVENT

Booking is essential in order for Men’s Shed Govan to stay within their capacity so REGISTER EARLY at www.eventbrite.com/e/scottish-mens-shed-author-talks-michael-j-malone-tickets-159590749227 

HAVE A QUESTION FOR MICHAEL?

The last 20 minutes of the evening will be open for audience members to ask questions directly to the author. If you have a question for Michael, please email it to greg@fredfertang.co.uk. Men’s Shed Govan cannot guarantee that everyone will get the chance to ask their question but will attempt to get through as many as they can in the time available. 

Has your Shed entered a team for the Royal Deeside Cartie Race 2021 yet?

Cumnock Shedders rev up for cartie race 

Cumnock Men’s Shed is gearing up for this year’s Royal Deeside Cartie Race 2021 on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July 2021 on the Kincardine Castle drive.

Fraser Stone from the Corra Foundation who is helping to develop the Cumnock and District Men’s Shed said: “This project is sponsored by Barr Environmental and supported by the Corra Foundation and Shire Housing. A few weeks ago, we had no Shed, no team and no idea where to start with the cart design and build. The good news is, the stars are aligning, and things are beginning to really take shape.

“There have been some great moments of intergenerational working in our team, with both welding and engineering skills and knowledge being shared between members. The cartie frame began life as an old sit-on lawnmower which has been stripped down and adjusted to suit our needs. It even features a unique ‘Tennents Larger’ tin element in the front wheel system….a first, I am sure.

“Our build sessions are a little like ‘free Jazz’ and we are enjoying improvising and having fun exploring this year’s caped crusader theme. All will be revealed on the day!  

“We are bursting with determination…picture the classic film Cool Runnings but instead of the first Jamaican Bobsleigh team, you have the very first Cumnock Cartie team!  See you in July…bring it on!”

Has your Shed entered a team yet? Last chance to register!

To encourage Sheds to enter and attend one race day or even both days, the SMSA—who will have an exhibition at the two-day event—has negotiated the team entry fee down from £45 to £25 but will also reimburse this £25 to all Sheds that race—meaning it is now completely free to enter! FREE ENTRY FOR SCOTTISH SHEDS – APPLY BY THE 3RD JULY.

Full entry details—including the course map, design regulations and rules— are available on the website at https://etiom.co.uk/royal-deeside-motor-show/cartie-race

Scottish Shedders’ Exclusive: An audience with Scottish crime fiction author, Craig Robertson (FREE on Zoom)

**PLEASE NOTE: This event has now passed**

Men’s Shed Govan is delighted to announce the second in its series of ‘Author Talks’ exclusive to Shedders in Scotland.

This not-to-be-missed event, on Wednesday 9th June 2021 from 7-8pm, features leading Scottish crime fiction author – Craig Robertson. A former journalist, Craig worked on The Sunday Post before becoming a full-time author. He reported on major stories including 9/11, Dunblane, the Omagh bombing and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. He beat Oprah Winfrey to a major scoop, spent time on Death Row in the USA and dispensed polio drops in the backstreets of India.

His gritty crime novels are set on the mean streets of contemporary Glasgow. His first novel, Random, was shortlisted for the 2010 CWA New Blood Dagger, longlisted for the 2011 Crime Novel of the Year and was a Sunday Times bestseller. Murderabilia was longlisted for the 2017 Crime Novel of the Year and shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize. His most recent book, Watch Him Die, was also longlisted for both the McIlvanney Prize and the CWA Steel Dagger.

REGISTER FOR THIS FREE

Click here to register for this free online event delivered on Zoom. You can join using a smart phone, a tablet or a browser on a PC. Details of the event will be sent to all registered delegates in the days before it happens.

Men’s Shed Govan is excited to be joining fellow Shedders from all over Scotland and look forward to meeting you all online!

Free online learning opportunity for older adults

The Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Strathclyde and the Faculty of Engineering are teaming up to offer a unique eight-week project starting in June 2021 for budding product designers to uncover and develop their creative talents. This free online ‘Design for All’ pilot course will be led by an experienced Design Manufacturing Tutor and include input from University design students who will act as guides and mentors throughout. You will be guided through the key stages of design including research, identifying customer needs, concept design, making prototypes, testing, marketing, and selling. 

No experience is necessary, costs of all materials will be included and it will delivered (via Zoom) in a supportive and friendly way.

If you are interested in hearing more about this exciting opportunity and how you could be involved, come along to an Information Session on Wednesday 26th May 2021 from 1-2pm via Zoom to learn more about how the project will work and ask any questions you may have. Please email Gemma.Gilliland@strath.ac.uk with your full name and contact details to register your interest.

SMSA representation at the Adult Mental Health in Scotland Digital Conference

**PLEASE NOTE: This event has now passed**

SMSA’s Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder, has been confirmed as a guest speaker at Holyrood Insight’s Adult Mental Health in Scotland Digital Conference. 

Jason will join an impressive line-up of government officials, health services, employers and third sector organisations for the event’s live broadcast on Friday 18th June 2021.

The SMSA represents the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement at key local and national events to ensure the sector’s voice is heard and was approached to join the panel of guest speakers to discuss the very important topic of ‘Supporting Men’s Mental Health in Scotland’.

Jason joins a wealth of partner organisations—including the Scottish Government, NHS, Brothers in Arms Scotland, Support in Mind Scotland, Penumbra, Scottish Recovery Network and the Scottish Association for Mental Health—for this digital event and panel discussion to promote the benefits of Men’s Sheds and the Movement as a whole and discuss how collectively these agencies can improve mental health provision in Scotland.

The event will explore national and local actions to improve the quality and delivery of mental health provision; mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health to reduce isolation, distress, and trauma; and adopt a joined-up approach to delivering mental health services both city and county-wide.  You can view the full agenda for the event at https://bit.ly/3cgFcAE

In the lead up to the event, Jason was also interviewed for Westminster Insight. Check this out at www.linkedin.com/pulse/mental-health-provision-scotland-jason-schroeder-mens-morgan

Unforgotten Forces – Regional Networks for East, North East, North and West of Scotland

Representatives of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement are welcome to attend these regional events.

A forum for those supporting older veterans to share good practice and problem solve together.  The regional events will include a discussion of housing with a guest input from Scottish Veterans Residences. This video conference meeting is primarily for Unforgotten Forces partner charities, but others may email (contact for each region below) to request to join the network.

26th April – 3pm-4.30pm
East Scotland network meeting
Contact Linda McNeill at linda.mcneill@agescotland.org.uk

27th April – 3pm-4.30pm
North Scotland network meeting
Contact Nina Semple at n.semple@poppyscotland.org.uk

5th May – 3pm-4.30pm
North East Scotland network meeting
Contact Linda McNeill at linda.mcneill@agescotland.org.uk

10th May – 9.30am-11am
West Scotland network meeting
Contact Debbie McLaughlin at D.McLaughlin@poppyscotland.org.uk

Men’s Sheds recognised at Voluntary Sector Hustings

Men’s Sheds don’t do politics in the Sheds but at the SMSA we work with all parties to support the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement.

With the upcoming election and launch of SMSA’s first-ever Manifesto (and issue of this publication to all candidates), it was excellent to hear a leader of a national party reference Men’s Sheds (St Andrews Men’s Shed) in his opening address at the recent SCVO Hustings event. The Movement is getting well established and to get this level of endorsement is a very positive and welcome sign after a very difficult year.

It was also encouraging to hear the leaders of the main Scottish political parties pledge their commitment to multi-year funding for the voluntary sector.

Read the full story here and watch the video below (the reference to Men’s Sheds is approximately 7 minutes in).