Lanarkshire Men’s Sheds to Host Open Day
Men’s Sheds across Lanarkshire are gearing up to welcome visitors and potential new members as they participate in the organization’s first-ever open doors day later this month. The sheds in Stonehouse, Kirkmuirhill, and Biggar will open their doors to showcase the activities and camaraderie available through the local branches, encouraging more men to join the community. Scheduled for International Men’s Day on Tuesday, November 19, the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) organizers hope this event will generate interest in their initiatives and potentially become an annual affair.
Stonehouse Men’s Shed on King Street will be open from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Kirkmuirhill & Blackwood Shed on Thornton Road will welcome visitors from 11am to 2pm, and the Biggar Shed located in the former Walston Primary in Elsrickle will have open doors from 10am to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. SMSA, described as “Scotland’s largest member-led men’s health and wellbeing charity,” recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and aims to use the open day to raise awareness of the positive impact sheds have on improving quality of life.
Chief executive Jason Schroeder emphasized the importance of showcasing the sheds in action to various stakeholders, including GPs, social prescribers, businesses, politicians, charities, and the public. The Men’s Sheds movement in Lanarkshire is vibrant, with sheds like Carluke Shed and Lowther Shed making strides in their communities. Carluke Shed was a finalist in the SMSA’s annual awards and recently moved into a new home at the former Wilton cemetery keeper’s house, while Lowther Shed is working on relocating to a more central location in Leadhills.
The SMSA hopes that by opening their doors to the public, they can showcase the valuable contributions of their volunteer members and raise awareness of the positive impact Men’s Sheds have on men’s mental health and wellbeing.
In summary, the Men’s Sheds in Lanarkshire are set to host an open day to showcase the activities and community spirit they offer, with the aim of attracting new members and raising awareness of men’s health and wellbeing initiatives. The event, scheduled for International Men’s Day on November 19, will provide an opportunity for the public to explore the sheds and learn about the positive impact they have on the lives of their members. The Men’s Sheds movement in Lanarkshire continues to grow, with sheds like Carluke and Lowther making significant contributions to their communities.