THE Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has opened applications for its Shed of the Year awards.
SMSA is an initiative that encourages men ‘with time on their hands’ to operate meeting ‘Sheds’ which act as alcohol-free hubs that encourage skills development and combat issues such as loneliness.
Many of the sheds are built by the individuals behind them, with last year’s Shed of the Year award going to Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed. The Shed was recognised for the ‘incredible’ work carried out to construct it – with a team of seven carrying out 30,000 hours of work over the 104-week build process of the Shed.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s executive officer, said, “We are delighted to launch this year’s awards to celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. The Men’s Sheds Movement began in Scotland in 2009 – and the first Shed opened in 2013 – and we now have an impressive 188 Sheds across the nation – all dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of men over the age of 18 through friendship, support and camaraderie.
“We want to hear from Sheds across Scotland – their background, their journey and the impact they have had within their localities. We also want to know about the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them so that other Sheds can learn from their experience. Although, the event is being carried out online this year, it certainly will not stop the Shedders ‘meeting’ digitally to network and learn from each other.”
This year’s award ceremony will take place on Zoom, due to Covid-19 restrictions. The awards will recognise and reward the contribution and impact Sheds make to society. The winning Shed will receive the Targe trophy – designed and collectively created by SMSA and several Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year, as well as a cash prize and a £100 gift voucher from Axminster Tools & Machinery.
Those wishing to apply can do so by clicking here – the deadline is August 30, with the virtual awards ceremony being held on 16 September 2020.
