Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health has secured funding for a co-design community project to develop realist programme theories around the impact of Men’s Sheds on positive health and wellbeing of socially disadvantaged, working-age men.
The Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health previously led on the Sheds for Sustainable Development Project which focused on supporting Men’s Sheds in Scotland to be both financially and socially sustainable.
Dr Danielle Hutcheon said: “We are delighted to announce that we have received this funding from the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) to conduct a one-year study of the health and wellbeing impacts of Men’s Sheds on working age men from socially disadvantaged areas.
“The study will use a realist approach to explore ‘what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and how’. More specifically, the study will be used to: understand how Men’s Sheds can support positive behaviour change and health and wellbeing of men who may be involved in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, socially-isolated and/or unemployed, and; how the Shed model can be tailored to address the needs of working age men in socially disadvantaged communities who might not already be engaged.
“The study will be led by Dr Julie Cowie, Senior Research fellow from the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, and will commence in October 2024. The team will be in touch with the SMSA and Scottish Shedders closer to the time with more information, but are very much looking forward to doing more important research to support the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement!”
SMSA Development Officer Tim Green (in blue SMSA polo shirt) visiting Milngavie & Bearsden Men’s Shed for the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Shed Network Meeting last month.
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association receives funding boost to REACH more men
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), the national support hub for Men’s Sheds across Scotland, has secured a funding boost of over £20,000 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Reach programme enabling them to retain their Development Officer and support more men across Scotland as part of Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement to improve men’s health and wellbeing.
The thriving men’s health membership organisation boasts over 3,400+ individual members, 148 Men’s Shed group members and estimates that the Movement voluntarily engages over 10,000 people across Scotland. Founded in 2014, the SMSA exists to inspire and empower men over the age of 18 with time on their hands to become voluntary engaged in their communities through creating and/or attending their own Men’s Sheds to mitigate social isolation, loneliness and boredom.
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured funding to continue providing one-to-one localised support to Scottish Men’s Sheds on their journey to sustainability and help create new Sheds in communities where there is identified need, disadvantage and social exclusion.
“Due to our prior trial success of having a Development Officer on the ground meeting face-to-face with Men’s Sheds in a post-COVID world, this grant will enable us to further this work and extend our reach across Scotland to empower men to engage with Sheds as part of an active and healthy pathway. This grant contributes towards a fully-funded and permanent dedicated SMSA Development Officer post for the next year and is vital to our work and achieving our outcomes.”
Donald MacKechnie, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Insurance & Wealth Transformation and Strategy Director, Lloyds Banking Group said, “We are delighted to award the SMSA with £20,526 of funding. The cost-of-living crisis means many charities are struggling with increasing expenditure, at a time when the demand for their services is as great as ever. Our grant awards will help charities through the challenging months ahead.”
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), the national support hub for Men’s Sheds across Scotland, has received a funding boost from the National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All Scotlandprogramme to upgrade vital resources for its growing membership and deliver quality-assured data on this thriving men’s health Movement.
The member-led national association plans to implement a new Customer Relations Management database interlinked with an upgraded website to maintain records securely online – for its 3,200+ membership and 202 Men’s Sheds across Scotland – and increase the level of information held to enable improved recording and monitoring to feed into the charity’s long-term development plans and support delivery.
SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder said: “An Awards for All grant back in 2016 paid to launch our original website, when the Movement was in its early stages, and the resource has certainly been well utilised supplying Scottish Shedders with the resources required to set up and sustain Men’s Sheds across the nation. As the Movement grew substantially to what it is today, it became apparent that we require to record the increase and variety of support requests being received, speed up our processes, improve navigation so members can find what they are looking for more quickly and store wider key information on the sector to report back to our stakeholders – members, board, funders, partners and supporters.
“On average, we are receiving a staggering 40 new individual members each month to this Movement which is remarkable however, the current manual administrative processes are profoundly impacting on the time of the SMSA team. We plan to simplify our systems for joining the Association but also for our popular ‘Find a Shed’ map which receives thousands of hits each month and make things much easier to find in our online ‘one-stop shop’ members’ portal.
“Through this second award from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, we will be able to easier maintain data on the Movement safely and securely and be able to evidence and report on its immense success and impact more efficiently – freeing the team up to support the nation’s Shed volunteers.”
The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair Kate Still said: “This project, delivered by the SMSA, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that we can help give charities and community groups throughout Scotland greater certainty during challenging times.”
Today (Tuesday 17th January 2023), Liam McArthur MSP has written a letter (shown below) – co-signed by 40 cross party MSP’s – to the Deputy First Minister John Swinney calling for a rethink of the decision not to award core and development funding to the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) in the draft budget published last month.
The MSP’s are asking the Deputy First Minister to revisit the funding to the SMSA so that it can continue to support and expand the network of men’s sheds across Scotland, helping tackle social isolation and making a positive impact to improving men’s health.
The SMSA will keep members informed of the response.
The new Energy Bill Relief Scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs.
Discounts will be applied to energy usage initially between 1st October 2022 and 31st March 2023.
Christine Grahame MSP brought another Men’s Shed debate to the Scottish Parliament chamber today (16th June 2022) to discuss and recognise the work that has gone into the production of the one-act play, ‘Men Don’t Talk’ and Men’s Sheds in general as a vital support for many in Scotland’s communities.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer said: “The SMSA would like to thank Christine Grahame MSP and all the MSP’s who supported the motion and their ongoing support to us and the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement.
“A very important, at times frank, discussion around the issues of the lack of central government funding support and the ongoing community asset transfer challenges. Again, due to the amount of MSP support the session was extended another 30 minutes so all speakers had a chance to speak. This shows that there is real belief and support for this unique men’s health movement but so far not the monetary investment it requires to really thrive and be supported like in Ireland and Australia.
“I feel we have made a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction to support the Movement at this critical junction in the development of the Sheds.”
APPLY TODAY to the Scottish Community Alliance’s Learning Exchange grant program
Shed members of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) qualify to apply for up to 100% of the accommodation and travel costs, to learn through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of common solutions with other Men’s Sheds/community groups across Scotland, through its membership agreement with the Scottish Community Alliance’s Learning Exchange grant program.
Amanda Cornish from the Scottish Community Alliance said: “The Community Learning Exchange is an opportunity for community groups to visit fellow organisations and learn from their experience. The programme funds travel and subsistence expenses up to £750, including a fee for the host organisation.I know that the Scottish Men’s Sheds which have already taken advantage of the exchange programme have found it extremely beneficial and enjoyable! Although there is no deadline for applications, funds will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and once they are gone, they are gone. So, don’t delay, apply today.”
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “Through our partnership with the Scottish Community Alliance, SMSA Shed members have access to this fantastic opportunity to gain insight into a community with shared challenges and vision. There is so much to be learned from these visits and meeting people with similar interests and goals. These visits inspire groups with new ideas and solutions to take back to their own projects.”
Feedback from participating groups:
“We all admitted that interacting with other Sheds is something we should try to do more of! It is all too easy to stick to your own Shed but this networking and sharing of ideas is key for success.”
“Several people told us it was the best study visit they’d ever been on.”
“The application process was straightforward and the response swift.”
“A thoroughly great day was had by all and we hope to return in the future.”
How do Sheds apply?
In July 2021, the Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) announced changes to the way applications to the Community Learning Exchange are processed. The new protocol for this grant funding asks for interested parties to now make contact directly with their SCA member network—in terms of Scottish Men’s Sheds, this is the SMSA—in advance of applying to ensure that the network has knowledge of the application and is willing to endorse it. Therefore, SMSA Shed members should contact Sue Salter, SMSA Administrator in the first instance atadmin@scottishmsa.org.ukor call 07465 202834.
Dunoon Men’s Shed’s learning visit to Dunbar Community Shed
The SCA Learning Exchange funds up to 100% of the costs—up to £750 for travel, accommodation and subsistence—for a visit by members of one community project to another.
Iain MacNaughton and Ian Graham of the Dunoon Men’s Shed had a wonderful day as guests of Dunbar Craft Centre and Community Shed on the 28th October 2021.
Dunbar Men’s Shed was originally located in the Belhaven Parish Church Hall but for several reasons was unable to continue operating there. Dunbar Craft Centre (DCC) came to the rescue and offered part use of their premises. Dunbar Men’s Shed was then rebranded as the Dunbar Community Shed (DCS).
The DCC is located within the Dunbar Business Centre and has a retail outlet on Dunbar main street. The DCC is a limited company, which employs several local people in its shop. The DCS has the use of a room adjacent to the craft centre which has been transformed into a comfortable and welcoming workshop.
Iain MacNaughton, Funding Sub-Committee Chair of Dunoon Men’s Shed, said: “The purpose of our visit to the community shed was to interact with their members and discuss a range of topics including: how they operate with shared premises; how they interact with other groups and Sheds; the range of diverse activities they offer to members; their ideas and future intentions; and how they bring the community together to alleviate loneliness and improve healt+h and wellbeing.
“On arrival, it was immediately obvious that DCS has an excellent relationship with DCC. The two organisations integrate well and share access to their respective working areas. This promotes a communal feeling and a sense of belonging which the Dunoon Shedders experienced as the day went on.
“Due to space constraints, the main focus of the Shed is woodworking. The members have been clearly innovative—making the best use of the space available. The working area is warm, inviting and conducive to members feeling at home in a safe environment.
“It was great to see some of their current Shed projects including a large model of conservation pioneer, John Muir—a Dunbar man and the genius behind national parks who died in 1914—for an upcoming community event and benches that are hinged for easy storage. The members have cleverly and finely honed their designs and sell the products through their community shop to raise funds.
“Sub-committees, and spreading the workload, was also discussed. The DCS has a Board of Trustees, a Shed sub-committee, a grant sub-committee, a garden sub-committee, and a Cowal vintage vehicle sub-committee. All hold their own meetings and raise funds and each has a Trustee representing the Board who reports back to the Trustees.
“Dunoon Men’s Shed is looking to purchase a portable cabin for crafts and, through this visit, we received valuable information on how to go about setting this up. Knitting, sewing, card making, board games, lampshade making, wet and dry felting, flower arranging, cooking classes, coin collecting, stamp collecting, basket weaving, clock repairs, jewellery making, art and pyrography were all suggested and discussed. It was also suggested we make individual days/evenings for each activity to allow people to attend the sessions they are most interested in.
“As a group, we discussed many opportunities and the issues Sheds face. Raising awareness in the community in terms of advertising and promotion was another hot topic. Getting the word out there to hard to reach groups such as those not on social media and people with disabilities/learning difficulties can be a particular challenge. The group discussed connecting with local befrienders and connect organisations to explain what the Shed has to offer.
“Throughout the course of our visit, there were people constantly popping in or saying they were returning later to help out. At one stage, my brother Francis—who I had no idea was coming along—turned up at the Shed and was made to feel very welcome and expressed an interest in joining as a member. It is a very small world indeed.
“At around 4pm, there was a flurry of excitement as their Shed members brought out several easels they had manufactured for their next activity—their popular art class—it was great to see.
“An ex-lighthouse keeper, Barry Craighead, also arrived when we were there and, when we got talking, he told us he is at present trying to establish a Shed in East Linton. The Shed is currently operating in a portacabin and has been running in name only for approximately two years. We suggested that Barry get in touch with the SMSA for advice on the way forward. Barry advised us that they are allowed to use the land their portacabin is on free of charge. In turn, the owner’s plants are looked after. A great example of interaction between Shed and landlord for the common good.
“All too soon, it was time to leave. We arrived early at the Shed that morning and intended to only stay until 2pm–to not overstay our welcome. Well, we need not have worried about that. By 4pm, we felt we were part of their Shed! Time flew by and the conversation flowed.
“We all admitted that interacting with other Sheds is something we should try to do more of! It is all too easy to stick to your own Shed but this networking and sharing of ideas is key for success. This visit proved that there is always something to learn from another Shed and you will always receive a friendly welcome.
“They really laid out the red carpet for us. Cath Finlayson, Bob Fleet, Nigel Booth, Tania King, Barry Craighead, Julie Arthur and Ute Penny of the Craft shop in the High Street, could not have made us more welcome. We arrived as strangers and left as friends and for this, we are extremely thankful.
“We must also thank the SMSA team who assisted us to set up this inter-Shed visit and the Scottish Community Alliance who kindly provided the finances for the trip—allowing us to travel from Dunoon to Dunbar and back and stay in comfortable accommodation for two nights—and the opportunity to learn so much.
“A thoroughly great day was had by all and we hope to return in the future.”
During the pandemic, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) secured funding from the Scottish Government to provide vital funds to support Men’s Sheds in Scotland in crisis.
The purpose of the £30,000 emergency pot was to reach those Sheds most severely affected by the pandemic that were struggling with financial pressures and/or facing permanent closure as a result of Shed closures in lockdown. The funding was quickly put in place to ensure these Sheds were still around to support their members when able to safely open their doors once again.
The funds were allocated to over 20 Sheds to support them with their core running costs including rent, heat and light and insurance bills and/or materials and training to support them with their safe reopening.
Phil Cave from Biggar and District Men’s Shed said: “The emergency funding received through the SMSA was a great help in time of need and was paid directly to our landlord to cover the outstanding utility bills.”
Brian Beattie from Edzell Men’s Shedsaid: “The money awarded to us from the SMSA was allocated to rent and electricity to keep us going for ten months whilst the Shed was closed and we could not generate funds.”
Maryburgh Men’s Shed applied for funding towards their air filtration ventilation system to assist them to reopen. Shed Treasurer Andy Barnett said: “We originally applied to the SMSA using our original (and very high) contractor quotes. Following advice from the SMSA, we looked closer at how we could make it cheaper by doing a lot of the work ourselves and sent a revised application through. With the lesser amount secured through the SMSA, we could get going with our plans which gave us a real boost.”
Alan Watson, Chairman of Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed said: “Thank you very much for this funding, it means a great deal to our Shed. It will enable us to supply each individual member who uses the workshop with their own kit, in a sealed box, to ensure no cross contamination. On behalf of all our Shedders, a BIG thanks to you and your team.”
Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “When COVID-19 forced Sheds to close temporarily this called a halt to their fundraising activities and impacted on their ability to generate income. In some cases, this threatened their Shed’s survival with the inability to pay for just the basic running costs.
“The SMSA is delighted to have secured this funding to help these Sheds in their time of need, and offset their lost income, to ensure they did not have to resort to closing their doors on a permanent basis.”
Since 2014, Foundation Scotland has awarded 45 grants – worth over £120,000 – to Men’s Sheds across Scotland from various funds that they manage on behalf of their donors. Locations sharing the funding include Peterhead, St Andrews, Hamiton and the Gorbals.
Foundation Scotland is now making Sheds aware of a current funding opportunity – the GVC Fund – which reopened at the end of August and offers grants up to £5,000. One of the funds aims is to fund projects that ‘supports men’s physical and mental health’ and is therefore a perfect fit for Sheds.
In 2019, there were four successful applications from Kelso Men’s Shed; Springburn Park Men’s Shed; Dalbeattie Men’s Shed; and Banchory and District Men’s Shed.
The GVC Fund closes on 27th September so don’t delay. Apply today at:
In addition to a wealth of membership benefits, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has launched a new bulletin to its Shed members to promote a range of potential opportunities for Men’s Sheds in Scotland.
Shed members will automatically receive the electronic ‘one-stop-shop’ bulletin full of funding and opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds for them to explore.
Not yet a member?Click here to find out more and join today.
