Project hopes to win shedload of members after funding boost

Socialising: Kennoway Community Shed nets £1,000 grant from Age Scotland

Kennoway Community Shed hopes to expand and attract new members after receiving a grant from Age Scotland.

The Fife project was awarded £1,000 to support its local work tackling loneliness and isolation.

The shed provides a meeting place for men and women to socialise and take part in activities including woodworking, arts, crafts, computing, and cooking.

Although most members are retired, the age range spans from twenties through to eighties.

Kennoway is one of around 100 similar Men’s Sheds across Scotland.

Inspired by an Australian idea, the first Scottish shed was set up in Aberdeenshire in 2013.

The funds are part of a pot of £15,000 for Sheds nationwide.

Shedders will use the funds to raise awareness of their project and will also buy a gazebo to use at events.

Kennoway Men’s Shed aims to provide a place where everyone feels comfortable, safe and valued, and different generations can socialise and share skills. Research shows sheds can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness and building a sense of community.

Local sports coach Bob McPhail set up the shed last year after hearing about similar projects.

The group now has more than 30 members, meeting every Tuesday and Friday. They moved to new premises, owned by Fife Council, last month.

Bob said: “I thought there was a real need for a shed in Kennoway.

“There are so many lonely people out there, and sometimes they just need a place to go and meet people, share their skills, or just have a chat and cup of tea.

“There’s a real sense of pride when you know you’re helping people in the village.

“We’ve got one lady in her seventies who used to never go out of her house.

“Now she’s walking down to the shed and baking scones for us all. She’s really got her confidence back.

“There are still so many people in the village who could benefit from the shed, so we want to get the word out.”

Age Scotland’s chief executive Brian Sloan said: “We’re delighted to support Kennoway Community Shed and see it go from strength to strength.

“The shed provides a welcoming space for men from all backgrounds and is an excellent example of the difference that committed volunteers can make in their community.”

There are so many lonely people out there, and sometimes they just need a place to go and meet people, share their skills, or just have a chat and cup of tea. BOB MCPHAIL

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Bob McPhail, 54, set up the community shed last year.