If you missed the webinar ‘Spotlight on Men’s Sheds: The Impact on Individuals and Communities’, now is your opportunity to watch the 90-minute recording, including presentations and films from the SMSA, The Inverclyde Shed and Dr Danielle Hutcheon from Glasgow Caledonian University here on You Tube.
Online Event – Tuesday 1st February 2022, 4.00pm – 5.30pm
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has been working in co-production with Education Scotlandand our partnerGlasgow Calendonian University to deliver this Men’s Sheds Movement Showcase event directly to Education and Community Learning and Development practitioners in our Scottish schools.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “This event is a first for the SMSA and a huge intergenerational opportunity to raise awareness of the impact and the range of health and wellbeing benefits that Men’s Sheds are delivering in our Scottish communities.”
The event will feature:
a spotlight on the SMSA and Scottish Men’s Sheds – highlighting the impact on people and communities in the context of Community Learning and Development
showcase footage from the Inverclyde Shed to tell their story
guest speaker presentations from Jason Schroeder (SMSA Executive Officer) and Dr Danielle Hutcheon (Glasgow Caledonian University)
a Q&A session
an opportunity to explore and discuss potential intergenerational links and a way forward for Men’s Sheds to work together with schools for future generations
The target audience for this event is professionals within the education sector in Scotland and an invite has also been extended for representatives from Scottish Men’s Sheds to attend.
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.”
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) represents the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement across many sectors as well as through our Scottish Ministers in Westminster.
At the recent Westminster Hall Debate for International Men’s Day 2021 various Ministers shared the difficulties men and boys face in our modern society today. Men’s health is more than often being overlooked by governments but there are new organisations and movements which celebrate and support a healthy masculine role model emerging to rectify the negative toxic male stereotype we have inherited and Scottish Men’s Sheds is one of them. The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement welcomes men over the age of 18 to join Men’s Sheds which can create a unique intergenerational experience for all involved to experience camaraderie with purpose in a ‘shoulder to shoulder’ mentoring way.
Margaret Ferrier, Independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, recognised the vital work of the SMSA and her recent meeting with Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer commended the enormous impact Men’s Sheds have on the wellbeing of men of all ages that attend in her speech. Margaret’s speech begins at 21.40 mins into the video (below).
Check out the Hansard (Official Report) here. Margaret’s speech prompted some of the Members that followed to also acknowledge Men’s Sheds including Mrs Maria Miller (MP for Basingstoke) and Gavin Newlands (MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire).
Check out the video below for the full debate that took place on Thursday 25th November 2021:
Professor Barry Golding AM – an internationally-published researcher and writer, associated with Federation University in Australia, who wrote ‘The Men’s Shed Movement: The Company of Men’ book in 2015 – has now produced a timely sequel entitled ‘Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement’.
The book was published in the US in late October and is available with a special offer to SMSA members! Anyone wishing to buy the 2015 book on the same order as the sequel will receive a 25% discount when they use the code—SHOULDER2021.
Essential reading for all Shedders, Shed-based organisations and anyone interested in learning more about the 3,000 very diverse Sheds open in community settings in more than ten nations around the world, check out the links below for more information on the two books:
A carefully researched and easy-to-read, evidence-based book about how and why the Shed model works and how the Movement, the scope and reach of Sheds might be broadened post COVID-19. The book features 130 illustrative case studies about Men’s Sheds and national movements across Australia, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Denmark. Inclusive of women’s Sheds and research evidence about impact.
Chapter 3 of the new book, called ‘Men’s Sheds in the UK’ (pages 119-186) includes information on Scottish Sheds and the SMSA. The book also includes 20 diverse UK Shed case studies (including six from Scotland) amongst the 131 case studies from around the world.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), a membership organisation supporting men’s health and wellbeing through Scottish Men’s Sheds, has scrapped the traditional five-day working week and implemented ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ for its committed employees.
The initiative – proven successful in Japan, New Zealand and Sweden – involves staff working reduced hours for an improved work-life balance and employee engagement. The Association consulted with its staff to prepare a proposal for its Board of Trustees identifying how services would still be delivered and the list of benefits for staff and the organisation as a whole. In mid-October, the SMSA Board approved the proposal.
David Gardner, SMSA Chairman, said: “In post-COVID recovery and as a Men’s Health Movement, the SMSA is delighted to lead by example and implement a well-deserved four-day week for our dedicated staff team. Longer hours do not necessarily mean higher productivity and evidence suggests that working fewer hours can increase morale, reduce stress and lead to happier and healthier employees.
“Instead of having a three-day weekend, we feel that a mid-week break on a Wednesday would benefit the team further. This offers the opportunity for our hard-working staff to take a day off to relax, do things they love, spend time with family and friends and/or carry out any personal appointments. It is a win-win situation for both the organisation and the staff.”
The SMSA Board will trial the new working hours pattern and review this in December 2021.
Members of Westhill and District Men’s Shed gathered on Monday 27th September 2021 to officially receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) to recognise and reward the outstanding contribution made by their volunteers to benefit the community of Westhill and surrounding area.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, Mr Alexander Philip Manson, presented the QAVS award crystal, certificate and pin badges for the members to Shed Chairman David Thomson and received a tour of the impressive Shed facilities—the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland—and also had an opportunity to chat with Shed Trustees, Shedders and invited guests.
David said: “It is an honour and a privilege to receive this prestigious award on behalf of our 300 members of the Westhill Men’s Shed. The award recognises the contribution made by our members, who are all volunteers, in supporting the local and wider community. It also recognises that attending the Shed and participating in the wide range of activities available is an important contributor to our members’ health and wellbeing.”
The award featured special recognition for the COVID-19 work carried out by the members. In the early days of lockdown, the Shed was made aware of the grave shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) for their local care homes when Shed Secretary and founding member, Nick Pilbeam, was visiting a Shed member (unfortunately now deceased).
Nick said: “Shed members did some research and learned that face shields could be made simply with a 3D printer and an A4 sheet of acetate. A project team was quickly set up to tackle the issue using our Shed printer however we soon realised that the volume needed to be increased quickly and therefore recruited over 20 individuals, some with 3D printers in their own homes. A small army of face shield preppers and other volunteers joined forces to co-ordinate the production and distribution of almost 2,700 face visors and we are delighted to have their work also recognised through the award.”
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has partnered up with Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity and leading first aid training provider, St Andrew’s First Aid, to provide free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to ten Scottish Men’s Sheds.
The SMSA put a call out to the 190+ Men’s Sheds across Scotland inviting them to apply for the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and received 44 applications showing a huge demand for this vital equipment (retailed at just over £1,500) to be located at Shed premises across Scotland.
The ten recipients will use the equipment to not only protect their members but – with the addition of an outdoor cabinet purchased by the Shed – will also make them accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sudden cardiac arrest strikes 7 million people a year worldwide with no warning and no pattern. There’s little time to react and even less time to think, this means an AED must be close at hand, easy-to-use and ready to shock. Chris Jowsey, Treasurer of Glenkens Men’s Shed, said: “One of our members had a cardiac arrest whilst at the Shed and sadly passed away despite the prompt actions of his fellow Shedders to get medical assistance. We can’t help but wonder if we’d had a defibrillator that day, if the outcome might have been different.
“We are delighted to have received this defibrillator through the SMSA and St Andrews First Aid and to be able to make it accessible to our entire community.”
Tom Bennett of Springburn Park Men’s Shed said: “We have been trying to raise funds for a defibrillator for over two years for our Shed located within a public park in our village. We are thrilled to accept and maintain this defibrillator and make it accessible to our members, other community groups, park users and the general public.”
Brian Kerr, Secretary of Dumfries Men`s Shed, said: “We are very pleased to have been one of the ten Sheds selected to receive one of the defibrillator units. We really appreciate it, and being in larger premises with new members already joining, it is re-assuring to know that in the unfortunate event that it is needed, we could possibly save someone`s life with this kit. It doesn’t get any more serious than life and death and we are very grateful to both the SMSA and St Andrews First Aid for their donation.”
Jim Dorman, Director of Campaigns and Public Engagement at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Knowing that these vital pieces of equipment will be available to both members of the ten Sheds and to the wider communities will hopefully bring considerable peace of mind. With every minute that passes following a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival drops by 10%. Swift use of a defibrillator is all the difference needed to significantly increase a person’s chance of survival. We are delighted to donate these defibrillators to help more communities save lives.”
The successful Men’s Sheds across Scotland are: Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed; Forfar and District Men’s Shed; Glenkens Men’s Shed; Inverurie & District Men’s Shed; Macmerry Men’s Shed; Mens Shed Dumfries; Pentlands Men’s Shed; Peterhead & District Men’s Shed; Springburn Park Men’s Shed; and Whale Firth Men’s Shed.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, today unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the official opening of Banchory and District Men’s Shed in Aberdeenshire.
Her Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Kincardineshire, Mr Alastair Macphie, who introduced the Deputy Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, Mrs Claire Maitland, and Mr Paul Evans, the Chairman of Banchory and District Men’s Shed. Mr Evans introduced Mr Alastair Black, Legion Scotland Area Chairman for Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine, then invited the Princess Royal to enter the Men’s Shed workshop.
The Princess Royal toured the new facility, accompanied Mr Paul Evans, who said: “We are honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to mark the opening of our Men’s Shed. It has been heartening to see this project finally come to fruition after many hurdles. It can now go forward as a resource for men in our community who are looking for new social contacts and activities, for example after retirement.”
In the workshop, Mr Evans presented members Mr Fred Harrott (silversmithing), Mr Alan Pumfrey (bird table construction) and Dr Bill Byth (bicycle maintenance). Entering the Men’s Shed social area, Mr Evans presented members Mr John Dunnett (model steam engines), Mr John Mason (clock repair) and Mr Duncan Davidson (Treasurer). Mr Alan Pumfrey demonstrated his model railway and showed models of Banchory railway buildings that he had made.
Banchory and District Men’s Shed is the first ‘Shed’ in Scotland to link up with Legion Scotland and it was unfortunate that one of the champions of this, Mr Jason Schroeder – Executive Officer of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – could not take part on the day due to illness. Jason is an ex-serviceman and championed this collaboration from its origin in 2015. Mr Schroeder said: “After so many years in the making, I was personally gutted to not be able to attend the opening due to illness; however, the SMSA still ensured representation at this very special event. It was kind of HRH Princess Anne to convey her best wishes for a speedy recovery and I shall be concentrating on just that. I look forward to visiting the Shed and the guys as soon as it is safe for me to do so.”
The Princess Royal then spent some time chatting outside the Shed with other members and their wives and some invited guests including Gerry Robb, the architect upon whose plans the Shed premises were based, and Bruce McCombie, the building contractor for the conversion.
Mr Evans then invited Her Royal Highness to unveil the plaque to commemorate the opening, which was hand-engraved by member, Mr John Mason. Mr Alan Pumfrey then presented Her Royal Highness with a gift of a bird box made by himself.
Glasgow Caledonian University’s Sheds for Sustainable Development Project has announced the publication of a new paper on the physical health effects of Men’s Sheds on their users.
