Good news is we now have an agreement with Axminster for our paid up Shed members to get a 5% discount.

Once we issue our paid up Shed members the code and you apply, Axminster create a new account record for the applying Shed. To that account they assign a discount which entitles most purchases through the Shed to a discount. The discount is a 5% discount applied to most products.

Motion debated,

That the Parliament recognises the important contribution that the Men’s Sheds movement makes to people’s wellbeing; notes that there are now sheds running or in development across the length and breadth of the country, including in Lauder, Galashiels, Peebles, Mayfield and Roslin; understands that the activities and groups vary from community to community but that, by and large, the sheds provide a meeting place for men to undertake activities in a friendly, supportive and social environment; believes that such groups can have a positive impact on men’s mental health and wellbeing by providing supportive groups that offer an opportunity for them to feel more able to open up about anything bothering them as well as helping them build positive ties in their community, and hopes that more sheds can continue to be established.

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government (Aileen Campbell) concluded by saying, ‘ I think that we all agree that men’s sheds are brilliant things. They are safe places in the hearts of our communities throughout Scotland, from Shetland to the Borders, that bring people together and enable people to support each other through friendship and trust. They are simple but impactful, and they tackle serious issues that vex Government and society, including wellbeing, mental health and loneliness, to name but a few.

Getting behind the men’s sheds movement is therefore in all our interests. That does not mean the Government alone; a partnership approach will be required. I am grateful for the support that the Government receives from Age Scotland, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association and Glasgow Caledonian University, to name but a few organisations.

We can go further. I urge all our partners—local authorities, the third sector, the NHS and community workers—to get behind sheds so that we can all together play a role in developing and supporting that important initiative. Social prescribing is particularly important: with an ageing population, it is absolutely in all our interests. These simple projects help us to create the connected and resilient communities that contribute to the betterment and wellbeing of our country.

For the Men’s Sheds part of the full day of Parliaments debates download from the link below.

Scot Parliament Mens Shed debate 2019 cut version

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), working collaboratively with the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) is calling attention to the benefits of ‘mateship’ across the international Men’s Sheds community this Men’s Shed Week (23-30 September 2018).

This is the first time the two national associations are simultaneously promoting the awareness of Men’s Shed Week in both countries, Scotland and Australia.

“The benefits of Men’s Sheds are now recognised globally with thousands of Sheds established across every continent” said AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.

Mateship is an important pillar of every Men’s Shed. First and foremost, the Shed is a place for men to be together with a group of like-minded mates.

Friendship, loyalty and camaraderie are highly valued in Men’s Sheds around the world, where Shedders are offered with a place to belong and contribute.

“Social isolation is a key contributing factor to poor health and wellbeing particularly in men whether they are unemployed, retired or have extra time on their hands. Men’s Sheds provide a place for men to connect and find purpose in a relaxed and interesting environment” said SMSA Executive Officer Jason Schroeder.

Men from all walks of life form very strong bonds within the Shed, many of whom would not have crossed paths if not for their participation in the Scottish Men’s Sheds community.

Last week, the largest ever gathering of Men’s Sheds was held in Cork, Ireland hosted by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association with almost 500 Shedders in attendance.

“Ireland is about 3 years ahead of Scotland in Men’s Shed development. We aim to hold the first Scottish Men’s Shed gathering in 2019. With now over 120 Shed groups across Scotland we feel the time is getting near to be able to host such an event” said Mr Schroeder.

Men’s Sheds are vital community investments delivering initiatives that foster community spirit and contribute to building a more inclusive Scotland.

To find a Scottish Shed near you : www.scottishmsa.org.uk/find-a-shed