Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA)

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The sole focus of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association is to support Scotland’s Shedders and their supporters to create sustainable and thriving Men’s Sheds in their communities across Scotland. If you need help, inspiration, or just a chat, you have come to the right place. The SMSA is not affiliated to any other UK Men’s Sheds Associations and works exclusively in Scotland as a registered Scottish charity, ‘In Scotland – For Scotland’. Our website has ample information to help you become part of the growing grass roots movement – become a member for free and gain access to our online resource library. We can also mail you information leaflets. We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of a life enhancing and thriving community!

Locations

Scotland wide

Sectors

Adult Social CareArts/Culture & MediaCommunity assetsEmployabilityEnvironment and climate changeHealthLeisure ServicesVolunteer Development

Connections

CollaborationsMentorsNetworkingVolunteers

Testimonials

"In 2016, our village librarian saw an article regarding the rise of the Men’s Shed Movement in Scotland and contacted the SMSA. Without that first contact, I strongly believe that our Shed would not exist. Being Scotland-specific, Jason and his team had the knowledge and contacts to make things happen"

Trustee, Aberchirder & District Men's Shed

"We value the support of SMSA who are a phone call or email away and The Scottish Shedder magazine and online resources are excellent. The insurance discounts are an area we also benefit from."

Trustee, Roslin Men's Shed

"The SMSA has been a wonderful support and a great centre of information and advice.  Without the SMSA, it is safe to say, we and some other local Sheds would not exist without their help steering us in the right direction—through the obstacles and bureaucracy that is thrown at you especially when starting something new—and enabling us to become self-sufficient."

Trustee, Kinross & District Men's Shed

"I wish to thank the SMSA for its assistance in helping to establish our Shed. From the outset, we were invited to a Shed Training Day where the process for establishing a successful Shed and the role of Trustees was clearly explained.  As SMSA Shed Members, we are able to access the online library from which we receive the relevant documentation (constitution, health and safety policy etc) required to set up and run our Shed. Perhaps the greatest benefit is having a well-informed friendly voice at the end of a telephone when we need advice."

Trustee, Garnock Valley Men's Shed

"We have found the SMSA to be an extremely helpful partner organisation—both in starting up the Shed and in the years following—we simply would not be running without them. The online resources have been invaluable. Having a national body promoting Shedding and helping to publicise the activities of other Sheds, through The Scottish Shedder newsletter, is a good way of getting positive support and affirmation. The newsletter has also inspired members to try activities they've seen other Sheds getting involved with. Knowing that SMSA is there, with support tailored to helping run a Shed in Scotland has been a great help. Sometimes, we just need a friendly, knowledgeable voice to help keep us on the right track when dealing with councils, government bodies, funders etc."

Trustee, Lockerbie Men's Shed

"Our Shed joined the SMSA in 2016 and as a result, have enjoyed advantageous rates for insurance and general running costs; access to a wealth of contacts with other Sheds in the Borders and beyond; assistance with the establishment and promotion of Borders Shedfests; receipt of The Scottish Shedder newsletter advising us of activities in other Scottish Sheds and offering the chance of free promotion of our activities; and access to the SMSA website."

Trustee, Hawick Men's Shed