MUCH has been written of sheds and men, of how these simple wooden structures somehow offer something that a house cannot provide for the male psyche. So much so mystical.
But, now, a report by the charity Age Scotland has revealed the practical results of a communal sheds project and the wonderfully positive effect that it has had on men taking part.
Many of these older men may have known – or been on the brink of knowing – illness, loneliness, depression, perhaps even the bottle. Getting on, they may have felt life had little left to offer.
But life always has something to offer, and the Men’s Sheds movement has shown them the importance of having a place to go, a place of which to feel proud, a place to do things or just chat, make tea, tell stories, listen to others’ experiences and maybe learn a thing or two.
Age Scotland’s report features many first-hand, uplifting tales of how being with the fellas down the shed has become something to look forward to every week or even every day. In the shed, some enjoy making or repairing things. They feel practical or useful, while those with no skills can learn or carry or help or make the tea or clear up or just be willing.
It’s all informal; no pressure. Take three years to make a table if you like, as one shedder put it. The point is that this is healthy activity and good. It keeps men out of mischief, it stops them being morose. It lets them do things shoulder to shoulder, which is sometimes more comfortable for men than straight face to face chatting about their problems.
Not that, by the evidence in the report, there’s any lack of banter. Getting out of the house and into the shed is a trip worth making for most of those involved. One shedder told researchers he felt consoled just to know that his shed “will be there waiting”.
Another summed up the situation thus: “We’re guys plootering about a shed.” Well, there are worse places in which to plooter. Indeed, the question we would ask is where could be better?
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