The Cove and Altens Men's Shed will be a great benefit to the Communities of Cove and Altens. We are in the latter stages with Aberdeen City Council regarding premises to operate our shed from. Once open we will provide a workshop encompassing Joinery, Metalwork, Garden Tool and Bike repairs as well as other interests and activities. Our all inclusive policy means there are no restrictions as to who can join regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexuality or disability & best of all it’s free to join. Over 18’s restrictions apply.
Men’s sheds are cropping up all over the place – and a good thing too. For every £1000 spent in running one, there’s a social return for the community of about £10,000. Starting up in Australia, there are now many Sheds in England, Ireland and here in Scotland.
The first one in Scotland started in Westhill and one of the newest is our very own one - here in Cove and Altens. Our initial meetings are being held at Altens CommunityHotel and so far we have registered with the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, started our social media platforms and have assessed the demand in our local area.
So what’s a Men’s Shed?
Well, they come in various shapes and sizes, but essentially a Men’s Shed is a community based place where it’s been shown to be beneficial to men’s health and well-being. The Shedders (participants) who get involved in the workshop and / or social areas find there are opportunities for making new pals with whom they can share skills, experience, get creative or just chew the fat and have a laugh. Just participating has shown to make folk happier as they gain a greater sense of usefulness, a renewed vitality and better self esteem. Simply put, men involved in community Men’s Sheds report living healthier, happier and more connected lives. This is primarily because of an increase in social interaction, a growing sense of meaning and a greater purpose. Men’s Sheds also provide an opportunity for promoting awareness of men’s health and well-being.
Let’s not forget our loved ones as we disappear to the Shed. They benefit too as we get out from under their feet. When we share our ‘stories’ too (good or not so good) then our relationships grow as well.
Many Sheds do work for the community and charities can benefit too. Having low or no cost access to tools and experience can help members who could not otherwise afford it.
Our Shed has yet to decide what we will do and now is a very good time to get involved. Being a part at the start allows an opportunity to mould the group into the entity that you would wish to be part of. Grass roots democratic principles are part of our ethos and if you’d like to focus on ex servicemen, helping folk back to work, helping older folk with social media or whatever. It’s all on the table at the moment.
Create opportunities to do your own thing and gain personal satisfaction from doing it. Be that rediscovering your skills, developing them, or mentoring. All just for the fun of it, or it could be helping folk back into work. It’s up to you.
If you feel at a loose end – then re-engage with your very own Men’s shed. Contact us on the links above and join our Facebook page.
Cove and Altens Men’s Shed
Registered Charity SCIO49347
Feel free to drop us a line below!
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