Jason Schroeder has been thrilled by the rapid expansion of the Men’s Shed movement in Scotland since the first organisation opened its doors in Westhill in Aberdeenshire a decade ago.
Ten years later, there are now more than 200 of these sheds across Scotland offering men – and, in some cases, women – a place to socialise, talk about their issues, discuss any health concerns, be creative, help their communities, interact with people from different generations and stay warm without going to the bookies or the pub.
It seems like one of the most positive developments imaginable – and especially at a time when an increasing number of people are feeling the impact of a cost-of-living crisis, spiralling bills, a stagnant jobs market and a general feeling of worthlessness – which is why Scotland has the highest number of male suicides between the age of 33 and 45 in Europe and a well-documented drugs crisis in cities such as Dundee.
Decision was a bolt from the blue
However, the Scottish…
