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February 7, 2018

An idea waiting to happen

Sometimes, an idea comes along that falls into the category of the ‘blindingly obvious’.  Sometimes the idea isn’t even that new but just needs someone or some organisation to give it a push before it really takes off. Men’s sheds is one of these. Three years ago, no one (in this country) had heard of a men’s shed but now they’re popping up everywhere. 170 at the last count. The multiple health and social benefits that flow from a men’s shed tick every box going. Shedders believe that every community should have one. And the way it’s going…


 

SMSA

What is a Men’s Shed?

 

In a nutshell, a Men’s Shed is a permanent meeting place where lots of good community and healthy ‘self and group determined’ experiences take place. They take place by ‘everyday’ people with ‘time on their hands’ willing to act with the skills they already have within their local community.

The ‘place’ (many different types of buildings = the Shed) which is used for many different activities is run by a volunteer group (Shed committee) for themselves and other men over the age of eighteen (usually) who have ‘time on their hands’, want to get out the house/flat to socialise (chat and put the world to rights, sometimes) and maybe also do something (build/repair,up-cycle/create/learn/mentor) in between the socialising in an alcohol free and welcoming environment.

The Scottish Men’s Shed is for all men who have ‘time on their hands’ who might want to lead active lives, make a difference and build their communities into something better. It has older men and younger men, unemployed and employed, skilled and unskilled. It has a value system of: ‘we value you for who you are, not what you do or have done’. If you have ‘skills’ that’s a bonus not a prerequisite to become a Shedder. Everyone by virtue of ‘experiencing life’ has value and something to share. Shedders go to a Men’s Shed for different reasons and over time those reasons can also change. We certainly hope they may as your life changes and therefore so do your needs and outlook on life.

 

Learn more here