Men’s Shed movement is on its way to Stirling
New place to socialise outwith the pub
A movement which started Down Under and aims to help men develop friendships and share skills and knowledge is on its way to Stirling.
Braehead and Broomridge Community Development Trust has secured funding to open a Men’s Shed at Braehead Community Garden in 2018.
The Men’s Shed Movement began in Australia in the 1990s after issues were raised about men’s health and the lack of opportunities and venues – outwith the pub – for men to socialise and discuss problems.
There are now 1000 sheds in Australia while the UK men’s Sheds Association was founded in 2013 at a time when there were 30 sheds in the country. There are now 400 with a further 100 at the planning stage.
As well as helping to tackle problems of isolation, they have developed into are places to pursue practical interests at leisure, practise skills and enjoy making and mending.
Volunteers at Braehead Community Garden have already converted one of the garden’s large shipping containers into a workshop for use as the shed.
And they have secured funding to purchase tools, thanks to grants of £2500 from Foundation Scotland and Stirling Council’s Community Pride Fund.
Organisers are holding a meeting for interested ‘shedders’ later this month and the shed is due to open in February.
Initially, there will be a weekly two-hour drop-in workshop but once shedders know what they’re doing, they’ll be able to access the workshop whenever they wish. Membership of the Shed will be just £12 a year.
Braehead Community Development Trustee, and Stirling East Councillor, Chris Kane said: “We already know from other sheds around Scotland that men who are involved report living healthier, happier and more connected lives.
“Loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as inactivity or smoking and men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, particularly when they’re older and retired.
“Sheds are about meeting like-minded people, having fun, sharing skills and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
“Braehead Community Garden is already a great social focus within the community and opening a Men’s Shed is a logical next step.
“I can’t wait to see what friendships form and creations emerge from this project.”
Shedders can work on their own projects or get involved with community projects, helping maintain green spaces or building things for schools, libraries or individuals in need.
Activities in sheds vary greatly depending on what activities shedders wish to pursue, but could include woodworking, metalworking, repairing and restoring, electronics or model building. Sheds attract people of all ages and skill levels.
While the focus will initially be on starting a Men’s Shed, organisers hope that if there is a demand, a ‘Woman’s Shed’ and a ‘Mixed Shed’ will follow shortly.
Shedders will automatically become members of Braehead Community Garden, allowing them to take part in the many social and community events held throughout the year. Shedders do not have to live in Braehead to join.
Potential Shedders are invited to find out more at a public meeting, to be held in Braehead Community Garden clubhouse, on Wednesday, January 17, at 7pm. There will also be a drop-in event at the new workshop on Tuesday, January 23, 10am until noon.
The shed is always on the lookout for good quality tools; to donate please email trust@ braehead.org