Our Aims

 We embrace the vision that every man in South Lochaber over the age of eighteen will, one day, have access to – and the opportunity to attend – their local Men’s Shed, if they chose to do so. Although we are an organisation serving the needs of men, we connect with all people from the community, no matter what their background, ethnic origin or gender who want to partner us on our journey.

How will we achieve this?

• We look to raise the awareness of local needs and look after men affected by loneliness, isolation, and mental health issues.
• Provide the facilities for men to meet, socialise and undertake physical and recreational activities in one building.
• Encourage men to participate in practical projects of their choice, attend well-being tuition and get involved with other activities the Shed provides.

Our Activities

We have a membership of twenty men of which ten are regular attendees at the shed. Our open days, are currently, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. A typical day will see us meeting together at 10 a.m. for a cuppa and catch up. Whilst these are our formal open days there is someone at the shed most days of the week, attending shed maintenance issues or activity.

We then break into groups or pursue independent activities, this could be making a bench or a planter, renovating old tools, repairing a bike, cleaning up or simply chatting to friends.

One thing is certain, you will always find camaraderie, conversation, and friendship at the shed. Our backgrounds vary and often provide the focus for conversation.

The benefits of being a member

 The Men’s Shed is a shared space where men - from all walks of life work voluntary on practical projects, or simply find camaraderie, conversation, and friendship. Men’s Sheds help to address social isolation and loneliness. The NHS support such activities as a means of helping people reconnect with community after illness or disability. As a member of the shed you can share your skills and knowledge with others in our community. 

What people say about us

 Members feedback.

 "Since I retired in 2015, I really missed the daily company of work colleagues. I have a lovely big shed full of woodworking equipment in which I spend a lot of time building all sorts of things for friends, family, and the primary school my daughter in law teaches. This keeps me busy along with caravanning with my wife. But when you retire it’s not just about keeping yourself busy.

I could often go for days without speaking to anyone except my wife.

Guys need the company of other guys, and therefore the men’s shed is so important to me.

It's good for my mental health. I really look forward to the days we meet up at the shed. 

Some days there isn’t a lot of work gets done, but over several cups of tea we put the world to rights and have some great banter. 

I know from speaking to every other members they feel the same way that I do."  (Donald)

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 “I don’t know what I would have done without you guys to help me through a difficult time?”

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 “I lost my partner a while ago. I have got used to living on my own, but it’s not good, at times I need other people around me.”

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 “Blokes need to get together; after all we are all brothers in need of one another.” (Gus)

 “I got involved with the Men’s Shed to help a friend set up the business administration and achieve his dream of developing a Men’s Shed in Kinlochleven, now I am a committed shedder, enjoying the comradeship and banter with a group of new friends.” (Tony)

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While I have many interests and have never regretted taking early retirement from my teaching career, I also live on my own and still very much need the motivation of social interaction. When people kept suggesting I try the Men's Shed I was initially wary because I didn't know who I'd be meeting there and just kept saying I didn't need the workshop because I have my own. But after giving it a go I quickly came to realise that it's not about the workshop but the people, most of whom I already knew but have come to know better through the Shed. It's a 
great 'deal' for me because I'm there by choice and can skip days for other things, but have to say I truly value our shared time there and don't like missing too many!  (Peter)

How you can support us

Our running costs are low but like most organisations we are affected by increasing overhead costs.  We rely solely on the generosity of others to fund these costs. Therefore, donations are always welcome. Unwanted tools to use, renovate, or sell; gifts of wood, materials, time, and money are also welcome. If you can help in any way by partnering with us to achieve our objectives, we would like to hear from you.