Age Scotland has been awarded £50,000 to expand the Men's Shed concept across Scotland
The Men’s Shed movement is to be rolled out across the whole of Scotland.
Initially started in Australia, Men’s Sheds are a place for men to come together and work on either individual projects or work together on community projects.
Over the last couple of years they have grown in popularity in Scotland and Age Scotland has now been awarded £50,000 from the Scottish Government to expand the concept.
It will use the cash to provide support and resources to around 20 new and existing Men’s Sheds across the country and provide around 12-15 of those with access to its small grants programme.
Support will also be provided from the Robertson Trust.
It is really exciting to be part of the growing Men’s Sheds movement, a movement that Age Scotland has been supporting for a number of years
Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan said: “It is really exciting to be part of the growing Men’s Sheds movement, a movement that Age Scotland has been supporting for a number of years.
“These community ventures are a great way to bring people together to love later life and we want to thank all the shedders across Scotland and the groups who support them.”
Men who attend Men’s Sheds share skills, learn new ones, share stories and experiences and relax. The projects deliver proven benefits in improving health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation which is often experienced by older men.
To announce the funding cabinet secretary for social justice, communities and pensioners’ rights Alex Neil visited MacMerry Men’s Shed a partnership project between Volunteer Development East Lothian and East Lothian Council’s Ageing Well projec.
Around 20 to 25 men attend each Tuesday and Thursday undertaking a diverse range of activities which includes building garden planters for the local community council to brighten up the village hall, creating storage units for tools, creating bug hotels, candle holders and key racks for selling on at local market, and restoring old furniture and sharpening tools.
“The MacMerry Men’s Shed project is a wonderful example of community empowerment in action - where men can come along, meet other like-minded individuals contribute to their local community and take control of a community asset for the community’s benefit,” Neil said.
"They can work on projects together, planning and developing ideas while also getting out of the house and meet new people. What’s most important in this project is the network of relationships and support that the men build with each other so they can feel involved and connected.
“It can reduce social isolation, give them a sense of purpose and contribute to them living well in later life.
“Older people are an asset to Scotland, and we want them to flourish in our communities and continue to make a contribution. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Age Scotland to help the network of Men’s Sheds develop across Scotland.”
