The future of the Men’s Shed movement has been cast into doubt after the Scottish Government withdrew its funding.
More than 200 Men’s Sheds are in operation across the country, providing nearly 3,000 with company and the chance to develop new hobbies.
As well as tackling social isolation, the groups are helping to improve mental health among men.
But the Scottish Government has announced that it will not provide further funding for the initiative – with the Banchory-based Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA) now concerned they may have to fold at the end of the financial year.
The government has provided £570,000 towards the initiative since it was launched in 2014, and agreed £75,000 funding this year.
However, the SMSA has now learned there will be no cash for 2023/24 – prompting them to launch a petition calling for a rethink. Already more than 900 people have signed it.
It states: “In a post-pandemic world, when reducing social isolation and loneliness and reconnecting with our communities once again is paramount, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is making a call for action for the government to continue to financially support the national hub of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement and men’s health and wellbeing.”
Decision ‘felt like a sucker punch’
SMSA chief executive Jason Schroeder said he was shocked to receive a letter about the funding decision, particularly as the charity has developed a close relationship with ministers over the years.
“We were all gobsmacked at the decision,” Mr Schroeder told The Press and Journal.
“We got the letter but it just doesn’t make sense.
“I felt like I had been sucker punched. We had been working with the government for all these years. The men are all volunteers.
“The impact on our families is devastating.”
The charity – which is campaigning for the Scottish Government to change its mind before the budget is announced on December 15 – want to secure long-term government funding, like how Australia and Ireland support similar male mental health organisations.
At the beginning of November, the Irish government announced €800,000 in funding for Men’s Sheds to help meet electricity and insurance costs.
Research by Glasgow Caledonian University found Men’s Sheds provide “meaningful activity” that can have positive impacts on its member’s health.
Men’s Sheds make ‘financial sense’
Mr Schroeder believes Men’s Sheds also makes “financial sense” due to the massive impact it can have on members’ lives.
He said the organisation lets men socialise in a healthy way and change their lives, and is needed more than ever following the pandemic.
In the long term, the charity believes they “save millions” from the health care budget.
The Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed in Huntly has been one of the most successful sheds. In 2019, they were awarded Scottish Men’s Shed of the year.
Chairman James Paterson said: “I find the decision ridiculous really. I am 100% behind the campaign and have already signed the petition along with many of our members.
“The headquarters is the main link to getting businesses to help individual Men’s Shed with deals on things like electricity which help us out financially.
“Without them, the organisation wouldn’t really exist.
“I don’t know if any sheds will close but there will be a hardship for some.”
MP: Men’s Sheds funding should be restored
Campaigners have the support of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie, who described the loss of funding as a “major blow”.
He said: “Spending £75,000 this year will have a disproportionately positive impact on preventative health spend, reduce loneliness and the appalling rate of suicide among Scots men.
“So ending core support in 2023 will be a major blow to one of the greatest mental and physical health developments of this generation.
“I would ask people across the north-east to support the SMSA, and let Scottish ministers know how their budgets can be used to save lives as well as saving money.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government funding for Men’s Sheds has helped the movement to grow from five men’s sheds in 2013 to over 200 sheds today with over 3,000 members.
“The £75,000 provided by Scottish Government this financial year, will help the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association build further success as they continue to develop their business model and new funding partners come on board.”
To show support, or for more information, visit the Scottish Men’s Shed Association website.
Conversation