are willing to support Men’s Sheds. They are a Health Asset. Men are
historically less likely to join community groups and tend to be more isolated
than women. In Australia, where Men’s Sheds started, the government now
directly funds Men’s Sheds.
So, what’s happening at St Oswald’s? The plan is to use the empty site at
the back of the Church for a new, purpose built Men’s Shed. Before we can
seek funding for this idea, we need to find out if there is a real need for a
Men’s Shed and whether or not local people think it is a good idea. We also
need to work out how we will prove that the Men’s Shed is changing
people’s lives for the better.
I helped to set up a Men’s Shed in Kirkintilloch and I am a volunteer Trustee
with the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association. I am very interested in the
potential of men working together to get more out of life and doing more for
their communities.
I’ve been out and about having conversations about this idea with local
people, local workers and our neighbours. Our plan will have a better chance
of success if it has the support of our community. Most of the people I’ve
spoken to have been positive about the idea and several have already
offered help; from donating free timber, giving time to teach skills to offers of
seed funding. Amazing!
Of course, the most important thing in a Men’s Shed (apart from the kettle) is
men. It only works if people want to join in. It only works if men and women
are willing to get involved to make it happen. It is worth noting that women
are generally very supportive of Men’s Sheds and have been essential to the
birth of most of them.
In order to “test the water” and ignite interest (as well as having some fun)
we are starting a Men’s Shed pilot group. This will be a chance to try some
of the activities which might happen in a Men’s Shed, talk about our ideas for
the shed, go and visit other Men’s Sheds and use our imaginations.
Will there be enough “Shedders” to fill our shed? Let’s find out.
The first Men’s Shed pilot group will meet in St Oswald’s on Tuesday 17th
May at 11am to 1pm. If you want to get involved in the group, get in touch
with me by phone on: 07597 564 149 or by email at:
[email protected]
If you have any comments or questions about this project, I’d like to hear
them. Please get in touch to let me know what you are thinking. Your views
are important.
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