Probable Suicides Statistics 2023

The SMSA is shocked and saddened to read the Probable Statistics 2023 released by the Scottish Government today (13th Aug 2024).

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “It is simply not acceptable that men’s health and wellbeing is not being taken seriously enough and male suicide rates continue to rise and Scotland has the highest rate of suicide deaths in the UK.


“Proper investment and support for the growth of the preventative, tried-and-tested, Men’s Shed model is imperative for a cultural change. I believe this year the Scottish Government Suicide Prevention budget will be doubled and looking at today’s statistics, we hope the suicide prevention decision makers in Scotland will take heed of this and suicide prevention core funding will come to the SMSA for the first time.

“Our Association, Scotland’s leading men’s health charity, exists to support the 10,000+ volunteers that run over 200 Men Shed groups currently open or developing across Scotland. The SMSA also initiates starting new Sheds especially in the most deprived areas of Scotland and in remote small towns, where men are feeling increasingly disconnected and lonely and this need exists.

“It is unfortunate that despite the huge amount of Scottish and worldwide research that has been carried out on this life-changing and life-saving Men’s Shed’s model and our real-life case studies on how Men’s Sheds positively impact on men and their families’ lives, that our charity has still had to fight year on year for funding from the Scottish Government to deliver our vital services.

“The last two financial years, we have thankfully managed to reverse an extraordinary decision to cut our funding entirely after garnering up immense support from the public and over 40 MSPs however still received no increase in funding since receiving a start-up grant in 2016 supporting five Sheds (£75,000). This minimal funding with no provision made for development plans and the cost-of-living crisis has cost the growth of the movement dearly. Whilst, our fantastic counterpart Associations in Ireland (1.2 million Euros) and Australia ($2.8 million) are fully recognised and receive the significant investment they deserve as leading forces in preventative action for men’s health.

“To put men’s health, wellbeing and suicide prevention at the forefront, we must raise awareness and move away from this inherited plight that men have found themselves with the ‘strong and silent’ type generic cultural model. Men’s Sheds have been in Scotland for 11 years now and should be seen as a key pathway in health – desperately required for the men of Scotland – to take control, express emotion, boost their health and wellbeing and support each other ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in a healthy, friendly and welcoming space within their communities.”

SMSA’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2024

Applications are now closed for the sixth year of the SMSA ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards.


The SMSA’s awards programme exists to recognise, reward and promote the contribution Men’s Sheds make to our communities across Scotland and the huge life-changing impact that they are having on the people that attend them.

With over 200 Sheds now open or developing across all 32 local authority areas, these awards celebrate and showcase the connections and camaraderie taking place to benefit men’s health and wellbeing by combatting social isolation, loneliness and boredom.
 
All submissions will be ‘blind’ judged by the SMSA Board—meaning that all references to places, areas, partners, names etc have been removed by the SMSA team beforehand to ensure unbiased decisions and scoring by the SMSA Trustees.
 
Three shortlisted Sheds will then be announced at the end of August and open to a public vote for three weeks before the winner is revealed at the SMSA awards event, AGM and Shed gathering to mark the SMSA’s 10th Anniversary on Friday 4th October 2024 in Perth.

Glasgow Caledonian University secures funding for additional Men’s Shed research

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 – Scottish Government Funding Update

The SMSA welcomes today’s announcement (Tuesday 14th May 2024) that the Scottish Government has once again reversed its decision to cut all funding ties with the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – the national support hub for Scottish Men’s Sheds.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: ““The government grant in 2016 of £75,000 was an initial start-up grant for the charity which supported, at that time, five Sheds and to develop the movement further across Scotland. Unfortunately, that amount has never been increased as the movement grew and we immediately sought other grant funders. However, now post pandemic and with men needing more support than ever, we now require £360,000 per annum to deliver our development plans and support to over 200 Sheds across Scotland.

“With the growing male suicide rates in Scotland – and the highest out of the whole of the UK – we require the Scottish Government to once and for all fully commit and get behind the most successful men’s health preventative model created in Scotland so the SMSA, the movement and the people of Scotland never end up in this situation again.

“We applaud the First Minister’s financial support statement today and welcome talks with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP to further discuss our vital work through this men’s health and wellbeing model being carried out successfully across Scotland.”

Running Shed Meetings – Templates

Templates to get your Shed started to run effective Shed committee meetings and Annual General Meetings (AGM):

Committee Meeting – Agenda and Minutes Templates

Men’s Sheds must hold regular meetings and keep records (minutes) of what has been agreed at each one.

Agendas should be sent to all Trustees inviting them to the meeting. Trustees must receive all the relevant information required to give them plenty of time to prepare.

Agenda – Template

Minute – Template

Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Agenda, Minutes and Proxy Voting Form Templates

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) provides the opportunity for trustees to detail and explain their management and running of the charity or organisation to its members.

The AGM also provides an opportunity for members to ask questions and vote on AGM business matters e.g. changes to governing documents.

AGM Agenda – Template

AGM Minute – Template

Proxy Voting Form – Template

 

A Personal Story – Krzysztof Malkowski

The SMSA interviews Krzysztof Malkowski (33) from Lanark Men’s Shed (LMS) who is mentoring his fellow members on the creative world of 3D printing.

Krzysztof moved with his family to Scotland from Poland eight years ago and of late has been heading to the Shed every fortnight to deliver training to a group of his fellow members (age 50+) to share his skills and knowledge on how to unlock the true creative potential of 3D printing by making robust and visually interactive articulated prints and creations to sell to raise funds for the Shed.

Krzysztof moved with his family to Scotland from Poland eight years ago and of late has been heading to the Shed every fortnight to deliver training to a group of his fellow members (age 50+) to share his skills and knowledge on how to unlock the true creative potential of 3D printing by making robust and visually interactive articulated prints and creations to sell to raise funds for the Shed.

Krzysztof said: “I always felt like all the people around me had fantastic hobbies and here I was, still looking for an interest to really grab my attention.

“Then, two years ago, I started to learn about 3D printing and I have been hooked ever since. I bought my first 3D printer in December 2022 and get to explore computer programming and the design side and creating something that I am passionate about.

“It took around three months to teach myself what I needed to know to get started and I did a lot of research and watched a lot of YouTube videos. It was exciting to learn a new skill and do something just for me in my spare time. It doesn’t always go to plan mind you but I also love the tinkering side and perfecting the design to get it just right.

“After six months, I felt fully confident and  purchased the necessary licenses to sell some of my items commercially. In November 2023, I started selling at the Chatelherault Market which showcases some of the best hand-made products across Scotland. 

“Then I met Alan Ross (pictured above)—the extremely passionate Chairman of Lanark Men’s Shed. I didn’t know about Sheds prior to meeting Alan. Now I can see the impact they make, I so wish the concept was as advanced in Poland as it is here in Scotland for the retired and lonely to go to benefit their health and wellbeing.

“Alan told me that the Shed members would be interested in learning how to use a 3D printer. The Shed had secured funding to purchase one and asked for my recommendation on which one to buy. They bought the top-notch model that I suggested and I went along to set it all up and show it in action.

“I was totally blown away the first time I met the members and ended up coming out of the Shed with more energy than I went in with. I was so impressed that I signed up as a member and offered to share my passion by mentoring my peers on my day off work—every second Friday.

“There is just so much enthusiasm from the members—they are just amazing to be around. Now, when I am at the Sunday markets, I am telling everybody and anybody that will listen about the Men’s Shed and how great it is.

“I am hoping to share what I know with as many of the Shedders as possible. Life at the moment is PRINT,  SLEEP & REPEAT but I am just loving it and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Shed Chairman Alan Ross added: “Krzysztof is bringing great energy to the Shed. The Shed members are now producing magnificent 3D items including astronauts, dinosaurs, teddy bears, frogs, HMS Vanguard Class Nuclear Submarines and PS5 wall lamps that can be personalised with individuals’ names.

“Our printer is the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer and the quality is astounding. It is running like a dream. The items are not plastic, they are printed using polylactic acid (PLA) which is made from the sugar in corn starch. Not only is it easier to work with, it is also biodegradable and does not emit as many particles as other materials.

“These superb items make fantastic quirky gifts are available for sale at the Shed or to pre-order.  The members are learning a new skill whilst raising funds for the Shed, but most importantly they are thoroughly enjoying it. The possibilities for items on sale from the Shed are endless with multi-material and multi-colour options to bring creative ideas to life.”

Krzysztof concluded: “I am just buzzing when I walk out of that Shed. The impact it is having is mind-blowing and I get butterflies of excitement on my way there every time. Long may it continue.”

Check out more of Krzysztof’s creations on Facebook and TikTok.

Shed in the Spotlight – Livingston Community Shed

The SMSA takes a peek inside the doors of Livingston Community Shed in West Lothian which has flourished over the last year and just recently signed a ten-year community lease for the South Barn Garden at Carmondean Community Centre. Shed Chairman David Piper shares their blooming success so far.

David said: “Livingston Community Shed (LCS) is situated in Livingston in West Lothian with a base at Carmondean Community Centre and a workshop at Mosswood Community Centre in Knightsridge.

“LCS is run under the guidance of five trustees, but run on a democratic basis, with all major decisions being put to all members.

“We began our journey back in 2022 when local church café manager Norma Brown noticed four rather lonely men sitting in her cafe and suggested a Men’s Shed might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

“The Shed officially launched in October 2022 and its membership since then has tripled. Now standing at 27 members and counting—with an age dynamic of between 40 and 86 years young— there are 12 members who are active on a regular basis.

“LCS is open on Mondays and Fridays at Carmondean Community Cafe, where the focus, apart from the excellent bacon rolls and home bakes, is on the banter and having a laugh.

“On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Shed is open at our Mosswood workshop from 10am-2pm, with extended hours during the summer months, where we undertake woodwork, photography and garden maintenance.

“During our first year, the projects were restricted as the Shed did not have a workshop. So, we concentrated on garden projects for both local community members and some local care homes and community centre gardens which had been left to overgrow.

“These were soon cleared and brought back to life with new plants and LCS now has a maintenance role in keeping these spaces tidy for the local communities to enjoy.

“In June 2023, LCS acquired the use of a 20ft x 8ft container at Mosswood, Knightsridge area of Livingston which we have transformed into a woodwork workshop. Since acquiring this unit, it has been possible to add woodwork projects to the list of projects we undertake.

“We have refurbished several garden benches and remodelled a covered BBQ space at Mosswood. We have taken on some upcycling and refurbishment of furniture for community members and have recently been asked to construct scenery for a local panto performance and are assisting one of the local special needs schools to erect a poly tunnel and some raised beds so that the children can grow plants.

“Last year, our Shed entered the 2023 ‘Helping Your Community Grow’ competition through Dobbies Garden Centre and were delighted to win £1,000 of garden equipment. We also applied for and were awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund which will assist with the complete refurbishment of Carmondean South Barn Garden.

“Various local authority grants  have allowed us to expand our workshop and construct three garden sheds. We do not charge our members a joining fee, it is completely free to attend and several local residents support our efforts through the donation of tools and items of furniture to refurbish and sell for funds to keep us running.

 

“Our Shed has also recently been awarded a grant of £10,000 from West Lothian Council to help deliver mental health support to younger people in conjunction with Youth and community project, Vennie Knightsridge.

“LCS has its own WhatsApp group for informal chats and the exchange of ideas amongst our members. We also have weekly meetings to which all Shedders are invited, and this keeps everyone updated with what is happening and of any projects or grants we have ongoing.

“The Shed has had a huge impact on the lives of its members. In conversations, many of our Shedders tell us that the social inclusion and camaraderie they gain from participating in Shed activities is a major part of their daily life now.

“Strong bonds have developed, and members do look out for one another and provide help and assistance to any member who has a problem. The participation in projects provides a strong link that encourages and promotes members to be involved in community related projects that provide further aspects of social inclusion for our older members.

“Long-term, our Shed has a bright future ahead as we have become well known and respected by other organisations and council bodies who see us as a good example of what can be achieved when a group of people come together to do things that support the local community.

“Earlier this year, LCS formally signed a 10-year community lease for the South Barn Garden at Carmondean Community Centre. The garden area has not been tended for over 28 years and it provides the Shed with the challenge of restoring it to a functioning space for the local community.

“This is a long-term project as the large space currently resembles a very overgrown jungle which we intend to convert into a community garden with growing poly-tunnels and raised beds for the production of trees and plants to help the environment.”

Follow Livingston Community Shed’s activities through their website and Facebook page.

Shed in the Spotlight – Inverurie Men’s Shed

IDMS Members at the 10th anniversary gathering (Photo by Griselda McGregor)

As Inverurie & District Men’s Shed (IDMS) marks their tenth year with a gathering of faces old and new to celebrate a decade of community, connections and camaraderie, their Chairman Alex Smith reflects on the highs and the lows of what has been achieved in that time and also shares their exciting plans for expansion to meet the needs and further grow their already 150-strong membership.

IDMS Chairman Alex Smith said: “Back in 2014, two Inverurie residents—Archie Peebles (now an SMSA Trustee) and Graeme Shepherd—visited the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland in Westhill, Aberdeenshire and this started us on our journey.

“The Shed visit was soon followed by a meeting with Aberdeenshire Council where a committee was formed and IDMS was born. Initially, the group met at Inverurie Community Centre (pictured above) and with help from the SMSA and the council, a permanent home was found at an industrial unit in Harlaw Way, along with an area for a polytunnel.

“During our first year and through grants and donations, we raised £51,000 which was used to purchase machinery and equipment for the workshop as well as two portable cabins to make into a social area. A grant from Grampian Health Board (now NHS Grampian) also allowed us to purchase a polytunnel and whilst the new Shed was being kitted out, we met in the polytunnel.

“Unfortunately, the polytunnel kept being extensively vandalised and had to be abandoned in 2017 and we were on the lookout for a new site for it. After searching throughout Inverurie, one of our Trustees, the late Alistair Smith was introduced to George Ross (J G Ross Bakers) who had a field available. At 3.5 acres this was big enough not only for a polytunnel but also for allotments. A 15-year lease was signed in 2019, and we were ready to go.

“In the midst of the pandemic, three Shedders—Graeme Shepherd, Henry Wilson and Murray Main—formed a bubble and set about creating allotment spaces on the site as well as 40 allotments, which are available not only for Shed members but also for the use of local residents.

“The team also planted fruit trees and bushes to create an orchard on site as well as an area of 1.5 acres, called The Howe Farm, as a co-operative to help local low-income families grow their own vegetables. Many of the ‘farmers’ at The Howe knew nothing about growing fruit and vegetables, but under the close guidance of the Shed, this has turned out to be a very successful venture.

“There doesn’t seem to be anything this fertile piece of land cannot produce and we are seeing an abundance of tatties, onions, carrots, cabbage, turnips, peas and beans and the more exotic fennel, okra, courgette, asparagus, sweetcorn and garlic. The fruit trees are already well established having managed to survive being ravaged by local deer and our clever bird-scarer, with dangling shiney CD’s, has also proven to be effective.

“Our new larger polytunnel boasts rows and rows of seedlings just waiting to be graduated to the great outdoors. Member and visitors alike, all agree there is a feeling of wellbeing whether they are actively gardening or just enjoying being out in the fresh air.

“Our excess produce from the land is sold at the entrance gate and at Inverurie Farmers’ Market to raise funds for the Shed and produce is also donated to our local food banks.

“Visitors to the allotments are welcomed by our dedication plaque at the main entrance which is engraved with the words ‘Alistair’s Dream’. It is thanks to Alistair Smith’s vision and determination that we now have this area to benefit our members and our wider community.

“Our Shed premises at Harlaw Way have certainly served us well over the last decade—offering a wide variety of activities over the years for our members including metalwork, woodwork, crafts and a cosy social area with wood burning stove to play chess, backgammon, draughts, shuv ha’penny and other board and card games.

“On reopening post-covid however, we quickly noticed that we were struggling to attract members back. So, to help us determine what we could do to attract a greater level of participation from members, we undertook a members’ survey. From the responses, many of our members stressed that the current premises were simply not big enough to meet everyone’s needs.

“The size of our Shed really does limit the number of Shedders we can safely accommodate at any one time, in both the workshop and the social area. It also limits the size and number of community and personal hobby projects that we can take on.

“Being a huge barrier to the growth of our Shed, we decided to actively seek an alternative site through Aberdeenshire Council and are currently pursuing a building adjoining to our current premises. We have just submitted a Community Asset Transfer request which we hope will be looked upon favourably.

“Until then, we are making the best of what we have. Last October, Storm Babet unfortunately took off the roof of our social area and the heavy rain caused severe damage. It has been a very long wait for better weather conditions and for the damaged areas to dry out to even attempt the extensive, not to mention expensive, repairs but we made do and many members met at the allotments for hot soup and chinwags to get them through.

“A very generous donation was made by Michael Howden, the owner of StationGym83 in Kemnay. The money was raised by Michael and his friends through The Sundown Cycle fully covered the cost of all of our repairs. It was a mammoth task and took a long time to get back to normal, but repairs were completed just in time for our 10th anniversary celebrations.

“We held an open day at the Shed to mark the milestone and it was a great day with an excellent turnout. Our visitors and guests were treated to a tour of the workshop and social area before a lovely buffet lunch provided by Graeme Shepherd, Henry and Gwen Wilson, Bill Stewart and Shantilal Fernando. We then informed our guests of our future expansion plans and great support was shown.

“We are now officially in the community asset transfer process and all of our many letters of support have been submitted. We would like to thank the many supporters of our application including the SMSA, Inverurie Events, Friends of Inverurie Hospital, Douglas Lumsden MSP, Harriet Cross MP, Evolving Inverurie as well as over 500 positive comments received through our social media.

“We are extremely grateful to the SMSA, Aberdeenshire Council, local businesses, organisations and residents for their continued support for our Shed over the last 10 years and long may it continue.”

Follow IDMS’s progress, through their website and Facebook page, as the enter this next stage of their journey.

 

MOT4Men

A Tried-and-Tested Preventative Health MOT Initiative for Men

Tips and advice from the SMSA to keep your body and mind in great shape

The MOT4Men programme – available FREE OF CHARGE to SMSA Shed Members – educates and informs on key men’s health matters including diabetes screening, heart disease, alcohol, smoking, blood pressure and cancer (testicular, bowel, breast, prostate and skin) – enabling men to increase their awareness and prioritise their health needs.

For more information, please visit our MOT4Men page.

A Personal Story: Billy Christie

Almost ten years ago, William (Billy) Christie – the newly-elected Chairperson of Barrhead Men’s Shed – was diagnosed with testicular and prostate cancer and health complications that forced him to give up a much-loved career. Feeling lost, Billy reveals why connecting with his local Men’s Shed and peers in his community was a godsend for him.

Billy (62) said: “I am a third-generation market trader and when the markets declined, I began opening up my own shops. I made a good living with a £1million business turnover and had ambitious plans to double that. Then in 2014 came the devastating news that I had testicular and prostate cancer and my life changed drastically.

“Following my surgery, there were many complications including an MRSA infection and septicemia.  I was in and out of hospital, my marriage broke down, I had to leave my home due to no longer feeling safe and my doctor advised that my body was too weak to ever return to work. I suffered from mental health issues that eventually saw me get sectioned.

“After my divorce my youngest brother also passed away and I found myself in a very dark place and contemplated suicide. I knew I had to do something so I rejoined my church.

“A founding member of Barrhead Men’s Shed is also involved with the Salvation Army and had been raising awareness of the Shed at the church and a lady came over to talk to me about it. I was in a very bad place, there’s no doubt about it, and can honestly say that this exchange was my saving grace.

“I decided to go along to the Shed and a friend came along with me. Having this place to go was an absolute godsend and gave me a purpose to get out again and kickstart my life.

“As a market trader I was never shy but over the years, I had lost my confidence. The more I went along to the Shed, the more I started to come out of my shell and met some great guys, including Alex Locke. Alex was so kind and knowledgeable and he guided me. I had never so much as picked up a screwdriver before and he really took the time to introduce me to all the tools and machinery. When we lost Alex earlier this year, to a heart attack, it was a huge loss to all of us at Barrhead Men’s Shed. Alex achieved so much and the Shed would not be what it is today without his input.

“Huge thanks must also go to Bill Core and former Chairman, Alex Storrie—two of our founding members for everything they have done. I cannot take credit for any of what has happened in the past and can only do my best as I take it forward.

“I started to get more and more involved. Some people think you need a trade behind you to help out or attend a Men’s Shed but you really don’t.  I now had a place that I could utilise my management and organisational skills and in July 2023, was elected as Chairman.

“There are a lot of talented men in our Shed with no prima donnas – everyone is equal, no one is more important than anyone else and we all muck in to clean the toilets and wash the dishes. We have a local celebrity that attends our Shed – former Radio Clyde DJ Dave Marshall – and he has zero interest in any special treatment or recognition – he just wants to be a Shedder.

“We have around 80 members – young and old, the oldest being 82. There is the happy guy, the grumpy guy, the sleepy guy and the mix just works!  We provide a wide range of social activities including a ukulele group, laser printing, sewing group, woodwork and model railway club. We are always open to trying new activities requested by the members. Last year, we trialled an afternoon social opening with board games but unfortunately there was not much take up however, we may offer this again though the winter months.

“On our committee we have Robert Humphrey, our Secretary, who really is the glue that keeps it all together and our Treasurer Ross runs the accounts exceptionally well. Once a month, we hold an informal meeting and any member is free to join us and we hear an update from all the different sections.

We are currently implementing more forms like job sheets to be a bit more professional. There have been a few teething problems but it is working to improve our processes.

“We have had to put a cap on our membership of late. Our facilities are fantastic and a fair size, we are extremely lucky to have secured a peppercorn rent through East Renfrewshire Council and have four units knocked into one, and we have no plans to expand or move. We all want to stay where we are. Potential new members are however, more than welcome to come along and check out the facilities and be put on a waiting list. We cannot guarantee a membership straight away but would also never turn anyone away.

“It’s a double-edged sword as the Shed is a much bigger success than we ever dreamed of. I always say though that we are not running Barrhead Men’s Shed PLC here, we have to be realistic – the bigger we get, the bigger the bills.

“Yes, we have to carry out projects to raise funds however our primary function, the reason we are all here and volunteer our time, is to meet the needs of our members, improve men’s health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

“I am a perfect example of how a Men’s Shed can improve the lives of men. Cancer changed everything for me and it felt like a death walking away from my company and ambitions. I didn’t want to just stay home and do nothing. I have gone from feeling lost and suicidal to now having an extremely positive outlook for the future. I feel valued here and have a purpose.”