5 Minutes With… UK Men’s Sheds Association

11 June 2026 — lia-rogers

To mark Men’s Health Week, we’re taking 5 minutes to chat to the UK Men’s Sheds Association about their fantastic work building communities and bringing men together in friendship and creativity.

Tell us about your organisation? 

With help from Age UK, the first Shed opened in 2009 in Cheshire – over three years, these seven Sheds opened, all of which are still running: Mid Cheshire Community Shed, Men in Sheds Kendal, Camden Town Shed, Men in Sheds Bedford, Nailsea Shedders Community Workshop, Squirrels Nest, The Tool Shed, Kinghorn.

The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) provides support and information for Men’s Sheds groups across the UK.  We don’t run or manage them ourselves; each Shed is an independent and autonomous group. We provide information and support to Sheds and Shedders and champion Sheds nationally. The UKMSA was registered as a charity in 2015. 

The idea of the movement of Men in Sheds started in Australia in the 1980’s as a response to health problems and isolation for retired men. In 2026, it is an international movement with thriving Sheds around the world.

What services do you offer people living with or affected by cancer? 

Lots of Shedders (members of Sheds) have experience of cancer; they might be living with cancer, be caring for someone with a cancer diagnosis, or have been bereaved by cancer. The UKMSA works to deliver information to Shedders, particularly around common cancers for men, like prostate cancer.

Who are your services aimed at supporting? 

Sheds are community based. They are started in communities by local people who identify a need. With over 1,100 across the country, no two are the same. The members decide what they want to focus on, whether that is woodwork, repairs, music, or combinations of things. 

At the UKMSA, we often talk about “health by stealth”. By coming together and working on an activity, friendships are formed and people can speak more openly than just being in a discussion group. It can be hard to confide in others and take the risk of trying to form new friendships. We believe that by participating in a practical, shared activity, isolation can be reduced and Shedders can find the opportunity to open up without even realising it.

How do you cater for people with specific needs?

Sheds come in every shape and size, from a small wooden shed on an allotment to a shipping container to a large, purpose built community hub. The Shedders who use the space need the environment to be suitable for a range of members, safe and secure. You can use our Find A Shed | UKMSA | Men’s Sheds Association map to look at local Sheds in your area. There is a description and point of contact for each Shed and if you have specific needs, we’d encourage you to talk to the Shed about them.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do? 

Shedders take such pride in the things they create and become champions of the idea. Seeing a Shed go from an idea to a thriving community space is just wonderful.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive? 

Sheds are welcoming places. We find that newcomers are welcomed with a cup of tea and a chat about what to create. Getting stuck in is the best way to overcome any nerves. Everybody is in the same position – they have an interest in doing something; they’re not there for treatment or an interrogation, but to spend time around others creatively.

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services? 

“I’d like to thank Men’s Sheds for giving me my Dad back. Feeling alone, for the longest time in his life, he has found a new purpose in life. Dad truly is my hero”.

There was one man who was walking down to the sea to end his life, but someone stopped him and told him about the Men’s Shed. He turned back, gave it a try, and he’s still here.

“My prostate cancer story started about 18 months ago. I didn’t feel unwell. Never had any symptoms. At no stage did I feel unwell. But it’s the Men Shed, on the table amongst all the empty biscuit packets and other detritus there was a leaflet that a cancer nurse had left. I read it. I thought it’s time to get that checked. Had my PS a checked, it was unusually high. I had MRI CAT scans, and eventually, surgery. I am a simple man. Just like to have it taken out without any chemicals or radiotherapy, and it was really successful. I feel fine; one week of discomfort and pain, but that was all after the surgery. And yeah, there’s other things that will kill me, but prostate cancer won’t. So, UKMSA did their thing. And now I’m building my own shed in the woods because I can, and I live in a dream. So guys go out there even if you have no symptoms. Get your PSA checked, Ask some folk, read a leaflet, don’t dither, life’s short.”

Can you tell us about your team? 

The UKMSA team is small, with just 14 staff. We cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland. With limited funds, we don’t have an office and we work from home, but we do get out and visit Sheds (new and existing) often. Each year we celebrate the achievements of Sheds with our annual Shed Awards. We also hold a national event each summer called Shed Fest, where Shedders come together to learn and network.

What are the values of your organisation and can you describe your organisation in 3 words? 

Connection, conversation and creation.

Sheds provide safe environments for people, predominantly men, to make things. They are in the community, for the community.

And finally, how are you funded and what can people do to support you if they would like to? 

The UKMSA applies for grants from funders like The National Lottery. We build partnerships with some companies who fund specific activities. We also have partnerships with companies like Ronseal, who support our members by supplying some free products. Individual donations are always much appreciated. We don’t make lots of money from membership; it is free for a year, then £30 per Shed after that.