The history of Men’s Sheds across the world started back in 2013. Back then, there were only 30 Sheds in the United Kingdom, the idea and concept having migrated from Australia where the benefits of Men’s Sheds had been part of everyday life for some 20-odd years.
Today, there are over 600 active Men’s Sheds and an additional 150 in the planning stage. The growth rate is currently between 6 and 9 new Sheds a month.
What is a Men’s Shed?
Men’s sheds are similar to garden sheds - a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, practice and learn new skills and enjoy making and mending. The essence of any Shed is not just the building but the connections and relationships between its members. Our Shedders come from a variety of backgrounds but all of us benefit from working on projects, getting help when needed and enjoying the social interaction that Sheds bring to its Shedders.
Sheds are whatever the members - or Shedders - want them to be. Sheds do not have to be physical sheds, they can be purpose-built but many rarely start out that way. Men don’t have premises at all at the beginning and instead form a group that meets regularly for social connection, company and camaraderie until they find somewhere to kit out with tools.
Activities in Sheds are usually focused on woodworking, repairing, restoring and upcycling. Sheds mainly attract older men but many have younger members and women too.
UK Men’s Shed Association
They work hard to inspire and support the development of as many Men’s Sheds as possible, for the benefit of men’s health and wellbeing.
They raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds movement and the many benefits of Shedding and they support Men’s Sheds in getting off the ground and thriving as community-driven, member-led entities.
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