We support Men’s Sheds

This is a central directory for all four Men’s Sheds Association throughout the United Kindgdom. Each country within the UK – Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland – has it’s own independent, non affiliated support body to advise and assist the development of Men’s Sheds. They raise awareness of Men’s Sheds and the life changing impact they can have.

What is a Men’s Shed

Men’s Sheds community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.

UK Men’s Sheds Associations

Below are the four independent UK Men’s Sheds Associations serving their respective countries within the UK. Follow the links below to access support and advice on Men’s Sheds in your country.
Scottish Men's Sheds Association

Scottish Men's Sheds Association

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) exists to inspire and support Scotland’s Shedders to create Sheds across Scotland and become part of a growing grass roots movement. The SMSA draws on its extensive experience to support new and existing groups and/or individuals seeking to develop a Men’s Shed through the provision of information, advice and guidance to make them operate as smoothly as possible in the local community.

The Association enables information sharing, communication and co-operation amongst Men’s Sheds in Scotland through a newsletter, interactive website, social media channels and community-based events and workshops (regarding good practice in advancing the education, health and wellbeing of men). It is free to become an individual member of SMSA and receive access to its online resource library.

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UK Men's Sheds Association (England)

UK Men's Sheds Association (England)

The UK Men’s Sheds Association (England) exists to inspire and support the development of as many Men’s Sheds in England as possible, for the benefit of men’s health and wellbeing. It raises awareness of the Men’s Sheds movement and the life-changing impact of Shedding and supports Sheds to get off the ground and thrive as community-driven, member-led entities.

The Association’s mission is to enable access to a Men’s Shed for every man that would benefit from one. It supports growth by promoting individual Men’s Sheds and the movement; training volunteer Ambassadors to mentor like-minded individuals and groups and by arranging networking events to connect men from different Men’s Sheds in the region to share experiences, knowledge and skills and make friends for life.

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Men’s Sheds Cymru Association (Wales)

Men’s Sheds Cymru Association (Wales)

The Men’s Sheds Cymru Association (Wales) – officially constituted as a Cooperative with the support of the Wales Coop Centre and Hafan Cymru’s Men’s Sheds Cymru project – is wholly owned by its members and seeks to ensure that existing Men’s Sheds all across Wales are fully represented and are able to play a part in sustaining and growing the Men’s Sheds movement across Wales.

The Association supports Men’s Sheds to get started, write a constitution and provides insurance, health and safety and funding advice. Membership of the cooperative is free and available to all constituted Men’s Sheds in Wales.

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Men’s Sheds Northern Ireland

Men’s Sheds Northern Ireland

The Groundwork NI programme is designed to support the growth of new Men’s Sheds throughout Northern Ireland; provide effective services to Men’s Sheds; and raise awareness and understanding of the Men’s Sheds model.

Through the project, Groundwork NI can provide support and assistance to existing and new Men’s Sheds. The support offered is bespoke to the individual shed.  Examples include training, action planning, arranging visits to other Sheds, networking events, sourcing funding, registering with Northern Ireland Charities Commission and developing policies and procedures.

At a regional level the project seeks to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds through promotion at different events and activities.

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About UK Men’s Sheds

The modern Men’s Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of European culture. They officially started in Australia in 1996 under the name of Men’s Sheds. Men’s Sheds are found all over the United Kingdom and now the world.

Not all Men’s Sheds are the same – if you looked inside you might see a number of men drinking tea and coffee and chatting in a comfortable area. If you looked further into the Shed you might see a well equipped workshop with furniture or bicycles for a local school being restored, making bird and bat boxes, fixing lawn mowers or playing cards or a game of pool. You might also see a few young men working with the older men obtaining new skills and learning something about life from the men with whom they work . You will probably also see an area where men can learn to cook for themselves or how to contact their families by computer and even creatively using 3D printers.

So what is so special about the ‘Men’s Shed’?
Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. Unlike women, most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. Probably because of this, many men are less healthy than women, drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression. Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own.

Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of banter and camaraderie. And, importantly, there is no pressure. Men can just come and put the world to rights and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.

Members of Men’s Sheds come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time.

The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community.

There were times when the task ahead of us seemed too much, and without your guidance and support, we may have faltered.- Scottish Men's Shed Member
The support and guidance provided by the UKMSA (English Men's Sheds Association) was invaluable in setting up our shed.- English Men's Shed Member
With a huge amount of resources at their fingertips, Men’s Sheds Cymru were instrumental in the success of our shed.- Men’s Sheds Cymru Association
We cannot speak highly enough about the support and guidance we received, and the ongoing relationship we have.- Northern Ireland Men's Shed Member