The Men’s Sheds movement originated in Australia in the 1980s, from community nurse Maxine Chaseling’s observation that when the men in her family and community lost their sense of purpose – perhaps through job loss – the result in many cases was social isolation, depression and early death. Her response was to set up a shed as a space for men to come together to work, to pass on craft skills and, importantly, to socialise. It was very successful, leading to noticeable improvements in physical and mental health outcomes.
From very small beginnings Men’s Sheds have spread internationally and are now established in Australia, Ireland, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and a number of European countries, including the UK, where they are growing ever more numerous. Sheds are largely independently run but are promoted and supported by the Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA). The association’s most recent data shows that as of March 2024, there were over 1,100 Men’s Sheds across the UK: 900 in England, 100 each in Wales and Northern Ireland, and 200 in Scotland, visited by over 33,000 ‘Shedders’, as members are known.
The association’s interesting website is a mine of information, although its navigation can be confusing. Unless otherwise indicated, the information below comes from various subsections of the website’s FAQs page, to which only a general link is possible.
Men’s Sheds have women members too
Men’s Sheds now increasingly welcome all, regardless of age or gender, and women are happily joining in. They may join a mixed Shed, or a She Shed just for women, although in practice there seems little distinction. This might mean they share space with the men, or they might use the same shed on different days to the men, remaining full members of the same group.
The UKSA estimates that between 30% and 40% of Men’s Sheds have women as part of the Shed and many more have constitutions which state they are open to “Men and Women”, “Not Exclusively Men”, or “Particularly but not exclusively Men”. The tendency is for Sheds to become more inclusive as they evolve over time. Indeed, says the website, “ Women are our greatest advocates”.
‘Sheds’: not always sheds!
Although labelled as Sheds, they often aren’t sheds at all. They can be empty offices, portable cabins, warehouses, garages, and in at least one case, a disused mortuary. As the website explains, “the essence of a Shed is not a building, but the connections and relationships between its members.” In the words of a Belfast member: “You can go in and have a cup of tea, have a yarn with people.”
Sheds are independent and make their own decisions
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Men’s Sheds is how independent they are. Anyone can start a Shed, but must find premises and start making contacts, though local authorities can be contacted to see if they have any premises that might be used.
Each Shed decides for itself what they are most interested in doing, and must equip their Shed appropriately, usually starting very small. Sheds produce an impressive range of high-quality items, often at the behest of their local authorities or organisations such as charities and for the benefit of local communities. Whilst the more traditional craft activities such as wood working or metal working are enjoyed, sewing and fabric working also feature, as well as more up-to-date interests such as electronics and technology.
But shedders may also set up a workshop where members simply create things for themselves, whilst at the same time enjoying the company of like-minded people. The key point is that activities are members’ decisions, so there is no definitive list.
Community projects involving Sheds
Many Sheds get involved in community projects, from small to unexpectedly large. For example, they may carry out restoration work on village features, help to maintain parks and green spaces, and build items for schools, libraries and individuals in need.
Overall winners of the Men’s Shed of the Year award in 2024, Shrewsbury’s Men’s Shed built the improved jetty for the Severn Shuttle, a ferry service providing a transport connection to the town. The Shed Partnership award was won by Pontypridd Men’s Shed for their outstanding work with an impressive range of partners including the local council, primary schools, a film company and South Wales University. Community Project of the year went to Rhyl Men’s Shed for their creation of a community allotment and fruit garden.
Men’s Sheds can help physical and mental health
Research by IPSOS and reported by UKMSA suggests that Men’s Sheds can have a hugely beneficial impact on members’ physical and mental wellbeing. They can help fight loneliness, by giving people connections to the community. Sheds offer friendship and can help fight depression by having things to do and people to talk to. Some even feel sheds can help turn around suicidal feelings.
Philip Jackson, featured in a Guardian series entitled “The people making a difference”, set up Barnsley’s Men’s Shed on returning to the UK from Australia. He was lonely – and noticed he was not the only one, and indeed that “There were so many lonely old men in particular”. Now there’s a Men’s Shed as well as a Shed for women, both running weekly, with members aged from 22 to 87.
The BBC’s “Getting inside a man’s shed” offers a short, revealing take on men working noisily away in their Camden Town Shed, stopping to comment on their Shed experience. One member (not interviewed in the video clip) is reported to have suggested that becoming a member at a point where he was unemployed and suicidal stopped from going down that route.
Another person who feels a Shed saved his life is Ian Aitken, a former prison officer and now a member in Chorley. Having suffered a breakdown after working with suicidal prisoners and as a hostage negotiator, he says, “DIY saved my life”.
Some further evidence of the positive impact of Sheds, provided by UKMSA to the Parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee in 2023, can be read here. There are many case study reports in the media that bear such findings out and describe the work that goes into creating these purposeful and productive spaces.
Women also do well in Men’s Sheds. Marie, one of a number of individuals featured in the UKMSA’s “1000 Faces” booklet, joined a mixed Shed for men and women. Her existing skills have been put to good use, and she has also learned new ones – in an atmosphere of companionship which she describes as ‘feeling like family’.
To find out more about Men’s Sheds
The first port of call if you want to delve more deeply into Men’s Sheds is the UK Men’s Sheds Association website. This is a mine of information and open to personal contact. You may find you need to scroll down sometimes to find precisely the information you are looking for.
The organization also has local development officers who can be contacted: Anne.whelan@ukmsa.org.uk if you are based in the North of England and Ruth.Gibbsmith@ukmsa.org.uk for the East Midlands region.
Is there a Shed in your area? If not, perhaps you can start one!
