Study to examine how Men’s Sheds can help working-age men

Researchers from Glasgow Caledonian are to explore how working-age men could benefit from the Men’s Sheds initiative.

The community spaces offer the chance for men to take part in practical activities, such as woodwork, metalwork, model making or gardening, and are credited with tackling loneliness and social isolation.

Previous studies have shown the Shed’s help boost the mental and social wellbeing of retired men.

Now the Chief Scientist Office has funded a team of researchers from the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health to examine how Men’s Sheds might work for working-age men in socially disadvantaged areas of Scotland.

The year-long project, which starts in October, will examine how the initiative can have a positive impact on their lives.

Dr Julie Cowie, Senior Research Fellow at Glasgow Caledonian, said: “We are looking forward to starting this important research, exploring the role of Men’s Sheds to improve health and wellbeing of working-age men.

“Our work will provide robust evidence of the potential for community-led interventions, such as Men’s Sheds, to address gendered health disparity and reduce inequalities across Scotland.

“We hope the project will inform future men’s health policies.”

The study, led by Dr Cowie, will be supported by Professor Artur Steiner, Dr Danielle Hutcheon and Professor Helen Mason, in collaboration with Stirling University and community partners across Forth Valley and Ayrshire and Arran.

In 2021, Glasgow Caledonian launched a 'toolkit' to help increase the number of Men's Sheds across the UK.

The guide, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, featured information on how to access funding, source sites, set up committees, run services and offer social activities.