Agenda item

Presentation by the Men’s shed Development Officer on the work of Men’s Sheds across the Scottish Borders.

4.1       Ross Hall, Scottish Borders Men’s Shed Development Officer, along with Johnny Johnston and Wilson George from Eyemouth and Hawick Men’s Sheds respectively, joined the meeting.  Mr Hall gave a presentation on the Men’s Sheds in the Scottish Borders, each of which were different but all fulfilled their aim to reduce social isolation – particularly for men – with every shed having hugely talented skilled tradesmen.   Sheds were run by the ‘shedders’ themselves, and there was a wide range of local organisations able to provide further information, advice and guidance about getting involved.  General information could also be obtained from the Scottish Men’s Shed Association www.scottishmsa.org.uk or from Ross Hall r.hall@vcborders.org.uk.  There were over 500 ‘shedders’ in the Borders with the numbers growing each week, and there were currently sheds in Coldstream, Duns, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Lauder, Peebles and Selkirk.     

4.2       Johnny Johnston then spoke of his involvement with the development of the Eyemouth Men’s Shed which had initially started in the old British Legion before moving to the premises of the Eyemouth and District Disabled Association (TEDDA) and were currently looking for their own premises which could then be shared with other clubs.  The main thrust was men from all walks of life – farmers, joiners, fishermen, engineers - sitting round a table sharing their experiences; with links also being made with the Head Teacher to get young people to come and join in the discussions.  Not all the shedders were from Eyemouth but came from a 15-mile radius.   It was possible to see the difference made to those men suffering from depression or who had disabilities, which had a wider impact on immediate family members as well, just by having a conversation and sharing.  Wilson George then gave details of Hawick Men’s Shed and its work with social service referrals as well as the long term unemployed, providing support to the community. 

4.3       The Chairman commented on the scale of the Men’s Shed movement in the Borders and its success, in particular on the emotional side as well as the practical side.  It was difficult to quantify the success of the sheds, as it was not simply about numbers but also about the difference made to the wider family e.g. if someone with dementia is attending a shed, the family knows the person is in a safe environment.  Some attendees did require support or the presence of a carer.  The only thing that was frustrating was the ability to tackle loneliness, with some people in their house alone with no contact with others and to try to get them involved.  Men’s Sheds did reduce social isolation and brought people together who would not normally speak to each other.  There was a no-alcohol policy so this was somewhere for adults to go in a safe environment and talk to people and leave feeling happier.  It encompassed all walks of life and occupations and was all about sitting down with a cup of tea and conversations going on around you all the time.  Mr Johnston commented that it was a blessing to be involved and a blessing for the shedders.  Councillor Hamilton gave a vote of thanks to all the Men’s Sheds and the work they did across the Scottish Borders.