Rachel Meadows of the UK Men's Shed Association tells us how this lively and welcoming network is a hotbed of creativity, ripe for collaboration with local creative groups.

There are Men’s Sheds across the UK, and the UK Men’s Shed Association is an overarching umbrella over them all. But each individual shed is different and special in its own way – how does that work?

"Yes, each Shed is very different to the next! As an organisation, the UK Men’s Sheds Association can provide support and resources to Sheds, and work to promote and champion them, but we don’t govern Sheds. 

Sheds all develop in different ways, some large, some small, some are community-led and run as a group of people, while others are run by organisations or different charities.

Their activities can vary greatly too, and will usually depend on the interests and skills of the members involved. Some Sheds will be open to members of all ages and genders (usually over 18), and some Sheds may be just for men. It’s always good to ask your local Shed for more information."

Many people’s perception of a Men’s Shed will be that only men are allowed to join them, and that the only activity carried out there is woodwork. But that’s not the case, is it?

"That’s right, there is definitely more of an understanding now that Sheds can be great spaces for anyone regardless of age or gender.

The concept of Sheds started as a way to help support men’s health and wellbeing, and that is still really important – there are some men that may find it easier to chat about personal topics when they are with other men. A lot of Sheds recognise this, and may run men only sessions to keep this safe space. Some Sheds will sometimes call themselves a 'Community Shed', rather than a Men’s Shed; to let people know they are open to mixed membership.

A lot of Sheds do woodwork, but that’s really just the start in a lot of cases. There are Sheds out there doing crafts, art, picture framing, creative writing, electronics, cookery, music sessions, whatever they can think of and are interested in. There is even a Shed that built a working replica 1920's car with a motorbike engine!

Sheds are often open to the idea of trying new things; so if you have a skill you’d like to share, let your local Shed know."

How might a creative group connect with their local Men’s Shed? Would a collaboration be possible and how could they go about it? 

"Sheds are often groups that love to work with others, whether that’s organisations in their community like schools, other charities and in some cases, creative groups. Quite a few Sheds have been approached to participate in the creation of art pieces or exhibitions. For example, Reddish Men in Sheds Stockport created a project where they used old bike parts to create art pieces that were then displayed in a local gallery, drawing positive attention and enabling the makers from the Shed to enjoy a different kind of creative experience: https://www.onestockport.co.uk/2023/03/reddish-men-in-sheds-find-new-ways-to-look-at-bikes/

Fabrica Men In Sheds in Brighton are located in a creative space and run workshops for their members, mixing practical and creative pursuits: https://fabrica.org.uk/men-in-sheds

If you are part of a creative group, you could offer to run a taster session for a Men’s Shed, potentially introducing them to a new skill or something they’ve never tried before. The best way to do this is to get in touch with your local Shed and arrange a visit! 

Plenty of Sheds support creative or other groups with their crafting skills. Sheds often accept jobs making all kinds of weird and wonderful items ranging from stage props and set pieces, bespoke furniture or items and even framing art created by others. 

Some Men’s Sheds might have space that they share with other groups, inviting them to use their workshop when Sheds sessions are not on. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed offer their space to a local woodturning group, and a local horticulture group are able to use some of the land and raised beds the Shed have as part of their area."

If somebody is thinking of going along to their local Men’s Shed to join in, how should they go about it? It can sometimes feel a little intimidating to walk into an already established group – how do the Men’s Shed regulars ensure a warm welcome for newcomers?

"Have a look at our 'Find a Shed' map to see which Sheds are near you: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/. Try and give them a call or email first, to check you can go along to have a look and see if their Shed is what you are looking for, and that they are accepting new members - that way someone will be expecting you when you turn up. 

Yes, it can be intimidating to walk into a new space and not know anyone, but Sheds are places where most of the members will be quietly working away or chatting, and it shouldn’t create a stir for you to walk in as a new person. Nearly all the Shed members will have had to be the new person at some point and most will give you a friendly welcome.

If you are joining a Shed, it’s likely that they will ask you to fill out some kind of membership form or take some personal details from you, and they may give you some induction paperwork to read. Some Sheds might even have an established member that may act as a ‘buddy’ to new people, ensuring you are shown around and introduced.

Sheds are also generally very keen on putting the kettle on, so if in doubt take some teabags, biscuits or a cake with you and you’ll be popular!"

For more information about Sheds, and to find one near you, visit www.menssheds.org.uk