Who or what is “Men's Shed”?

A Men’s Shed is a larger version of the typical man’s shed in the garden – a place where he feels at home and pursues practical interests with a high degree of autonomy. A Men’s Shed offers this to a group of like minded men where members share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue.

A Shed’s activities usually involve making or mending in wood (e.g. carpentry, joinery, turning) but may include gardening, electronics, tool renovation.

Up-cycling and restoration will feature strongly – some say “that goes for the men too!” Although Sheds mostly attract older men, we welcome men of any age. We believe in encouraging good interaction between young and old. Women are not excluded either.

On the right our members are repairing a saw that has been donated.

Social activities should also feature highly whether as group activities or family activities like a summer Barbeque.

We understand that social isolation for whatever reason, can be detrimental to general health and a problem shared can be a problem halved. Men who have suffered bereavement may benefit from a little “man time”and even partners may like a break from having a man about the house. Basic cookery classes is another activity that could be very helpful. While another member is programming a mini computer Two members with “Boys toys” radio controlled car. Some more ideas are listed.

Whatever activities are pursued the essence of a Shed is not a building, which some don’t have, but the network of relationships between the members.

The Strathmore Mens Shed aim to be self sustaining by various fund raising activities like quiz nights or raffles.

We are happy to receive donations of tools and equipment, some of which we can use, some we renovate and sell. Those we don’t, we send to third world countries who are less fortunate than us. We also undertake small commissions such as the bird and bat boxes for the Coupar Angus Pride of Place group.

Of course we are always most grateful for the sponsorship and help we receive from local businesses.

Background

Being a constituted body registered with the Office of Scottish Charity Regulator as a SCIO. We also have to abide by certain rules and have an organisational committee to handle the business side of things. We operate a policy of open inclusion where we encourage all to own responsibility for organising their Shed and to contribute as well as to receive for the mutual benefit of all.

We, in common with many other organisations, always need members to undertake a little extra by way of assisting with the management of the group. It may be to just undertake a small project, maybe to run a bridge group through to looking after safety or maintaining tools. It doesn’t matter what, the important thing is that the workload is shared so that we may all enjoy the activities we choose and enjoy each others company.

We are a registered SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) administered by OSCR, don’t you just love these acronyms, which gives us our legal entity. We also hold public liability insurance cover. We are members of the Scottish Mens Shed Association.