Testimonials

“The SMSA has been a wonderful support and a great centre of information and advice. Without the SMSA, it is safe to say, we and some other local Sheds would not exist without their help steering us in the right direction—through the obstacles and bureaucracy that is thrown at you especially when starting something new—and enabling us to become self-sufficient.”

“We became aware of the SMSA at this stage and formed our committee and then we received our SMSA Shed Members handbook which helped us out hugely with many things—and saved us reinventing the wheel— such as securing discounted insurance and gaining charitable status. The SMSA has been an excellent support—we have full admiration for the association and they are always there—it’s great to have them just a call, email or visit away if we need assistance.”

“It was good reading the end of year report from the SMSA and being able to put faces to names. You are all doing a great job and are very approachable and easy to work with.”

“In 2016, our village librarian saw an article regarding the rise of the Men’s Shed Movement in Scotland and contacted the SMSA. Without that first contact, I strongly believe that our Shed would not exist. Being Scotland-specific, Jason and his team had the knowledge and contacts to make things happen.”

“I wish to thank the SMSA for its assistance in helping to establish our Shed. From the outset, we were invited to a Shed Training Day where the process for establishing a successful Shed and the role of Trustees was clearly explained. As SMSA Shed Members, we are able to access the online library from which we receive the relevant documentation (constitution, health and safety policy etc) required to set up and run our Shed. Perhaps the greatest benefit is having a well-informed friendly voice at the end of a telephone when we need advice.”

“Our Shed joined the SMSA in 2016 and as a result, have enjoyed advantageous rates for insurance and general running costs; access to a wealth of contacts with other Sheds in the Borders and beyond; assistance with the establishment and promotion of Borders Shedfests; receipt of The Scottish Shedder newsletter advising us of activities in other Scottish Sheds and offering the chance of free promotion of our activities; and access to the SMSA website.”

Roslin Men’s Shed “We value the support of SMSA who are a phone call or email away and The Scottish Shedder magazine and online resources are excellent. The insurance discounts are an area we also benefit from.”

“When trying to set up a Shed in my area, I contacted Jason who from the outset has been totally supportive in assisting me to set up the local Shed and still continues to offer support whilst building up the network.”

“Our original committee were new to the Movement and we are very grateful for the support and encouragement we received from SMSA. As members, we are able to access their comprehensive library of paperwork, procedures and resources, which is a vital part of any Shed and can be burdensome. This library made our set up much easier.”