Men’s Sheds on brink of collapse after government axes funding deal
Scotland’s largest men’s mental health charity faces being wound up within months after the government pulled funding, The Sunday Post can reveal.
Critics warn the Scottish Government is “presiding over a loneliness time bomb” after cutting ties with the Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA).
The charity tackles social isolation among men and aims to improve quality of life for its 10,000 members across more than 200 independent sheds.
They help volunteers set up shared spaces where people from all walks of life can learn new skills, pass on their experience and benefit from companionship.
Government funding was scrapped in April 2022 but a last-minute sum of £75,000 was agreed with SNP ministers last year. However, no funding has been agreed since and SMSA faces being wound up by the end of the year. And politicians warn that would heap even further pressure on already struggling health services.
There is also confusion over which area of government could support the charity after Tom Arthur, who previously held the community wealth portfolio, confirmed it is “not supported by a specific minister”.
SMSA chief executive Jason Schroeder said: “We’ve got enough funding for about nine or 10 months and then we’ll be looking at winding up. That will mean the more than 200 groups lose all their support and all the new groups that are starting will have no support. We’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in October – hopefully we’ll be celebrating rather than closing.
“The truth is that the impact of us closing would be felt throughout the sector and in communities across Scotland.”
Schroeder described the level of funding from government as embarrassing. The Irish Government provided €1 million last year, while Australia regularly gives millions of dollars in funding more than 30 years after the movement started.
An online petition for the Scottish Government to reverse its decision has reached more than 4,000 signatures. Last year’s U-turn came after 40 MSPS came together to ask then-deputy first minister John Swinney to find the cash to ensure its survival.
Politicians say Men’s Sheds provide an “incalculable benefit to society” and warn the level of funding required is far eclipsed by the cost to public services if the charity is allowed to collapse.
Schroeder says the situation is “just not acceptable” that a country with the highest rate of male suicide in the UK is washing its hands of a leading force in preventative action.
Schroeder said: “This is working – and not a lot of things are. I cannot understand why they would just say ‘no’ and not even give us a reason.
“The interest in women and minority groups is immense but I don’t think men’s mental health is being taken seriously at all.”
The Sunday Post has seen a letter sent to new First Minister Swinney from West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie. It warns the Men’s Shed movement in Scotland is “at a precipice” and a clock is ticking on the existence of the organisation.
Bowie says the NHS and council budgets “definitely feel the benefit of third way intervention for loneliness and isolation before more costly cures are required.”
Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson Tess White said: “Cutting ties with a charity that helps 10,000 Scots, many of whom get tremendous relief from social isolation and loneliness, is scandalous.
“A four-year study by Glasgow Caledonian University talked to members about their increased confidence and feeling of contentment, and a reduction in low mood. Physical and mental benefits were obvious. And there was an argument for more help so SMSA can expand the number of people who can take part.
“The value of Men’s Sheds to mental and physical health – and the public purse – has never been clearer.”
The Scottish Government said it had supported the Men’s Sheds movement, helping it to grow from five sheds to 200 through £795,000 direct funding. It said: “Men’s Sheds continue to benefit from the many funding streams that Scottish Government provides, including the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults, which has supported a number of Men’s Sheds across Scotland since 2021.
“In delivering our social isolation and loneliness strategy, A Connected Scotland, the Scottish Government will continue to engage with third-sector organisations, including Men’s Sheds, to explore opportunities for people to connect.”