Dismay over Men’s Sheds losing funding
A decision to pull funding from a vital mental health organisation has been slammed by a regional MSP.
Ministers have decided to withdraw financial support for the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association from 2023, with fears that the lack of central funding may lead to the closure of some sheds across the country.
The mooted plans announced in February 2022 led to the creation of a petition from the SMSA last year which has since gathered more than 3,500 signatures at time of going to press.
The organisation currently oversees more than 200 Men’s Sheds across Scotland - including Forth Valley and Wee County Men’s Sheds.
They offer a space for men - and in some cases, women - the opportunity to socialise, talk about their issues and get creative with various activities to either stimulate the mind or even directly contribute to their communities.
SMSA has also raised the benefits of Sheds as a warm space where people can come to enjoy some company during the stresses of the cost-of-living crisis.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart labelled the decision to remove funding as “short-sighted” and urged Scottish Government ministers to change course on the move.
Mr Stewart said: “I am utterly dismayed at SNP ministers’ short-sighted decision to cease Scottish Government funding for Men’s Sheds.
“With hugely successful Sheds in my region such as Forth Valley and Wee County Men’s Sheds, this initiative is one of the most positive developments imaginable.
“This is especially so at a time when an increasing number of people are feeling the impact of a cost-of-living crisis, spiralling bills, a stagnant jobs market and a general feeling of worthlessness amongst a great many, which is why Scotland has both the highest number of male suicides between the age of 33 and 45 and the worst and most deadly drug crisis in Europe.
“This terrible situation for Scottish Men’s Sheds is completely unacceptable and I shall be writing to John Swinney in the strongest terms possible urging a U-turn on his appalling decision.
“They need a solid, stable and three-year funding plan secured so that they are able to continue on their essential paths, as well as creating a fund to assist start-ups and the development of newly formed Sheds which they are all able to gain access to.”
This initiative is one of the most positive developments imaginable