Testimonials
“Having opportunities to socialise and interact with other people offers real benefits to older people. Improving social networks and developing meaningful relationships have been found enhance social well-being and physical and mental health.”
— https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/relationships-21st-century-forgotten-foundation-mental-health-and-wellbeing
What the guys and their families have to say
“Although we are now friends at the Shed, there’s a slight arms-length between us, and it means that you can talk to them about things that you wouldn’t talk to your family about, I probably wouldn’t even talk to my best friends about, and I just feel that that gives you something, just a little bit, that you can confide in people better when they’re just slightly a length away from you. It’s very, very helpful to have that…..very helpful.”
“I had a really helpful call with Richard who talked me through what I'm going to experience starting on Monday. This is one of the hidden aspects of what Shed is all about. The arms length empathy. It's amazing.” (John Alexander talking about going through radiotherapy. )
"This group saved my Dad. I never thought we would see him engage in anything after my Mum died. This has given him a purpose, we are so grateful. He didn't want to be here. We made him go and he was dragged in by my husband. Now he freaks if he has to miss a day. It's been a life changer for him. Sarah, people don’t realise the impact it has, speaking to the families may really surprise you. You don’t realise how much this can change lives. My mum was blind, had parkinson’s, dementia and was completely immobile. My dad had a very busy day, every day looking after her, and when she died he lost his wife and his role. We couldn’t get him to leave the house, he looked ghastly. Now he has his clothes all ironed and ready, he walks so much, he learns new things, he has a great laugh and the company is priceless. It’s so much more than just a shed.”
“Somewhere to go in the mornings, rather than staring at the 4 walls, sharing experiences and learning new things”
“A year ago we were a bunch of guys that got together, and now we’re a bunch of friends that work together”
“Keeps me occupied, gives me something to do and gets me out of the house”
“Gets me ‘oot the hoose’ in the morning instead of watching “nonsense TV”
Media coverage and recognition
Chris Stevens MP presents an Early Day Motion in Westminster praising Men’s Shed Govan’s success.
Sarah won Royal College of Nursing Institute “Patients Choice Award” for UK 2019
..and Glasgow Times Community Champion Award 2019
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/52137
https://www.qnis.org.uk/mens-shed-opens-its-doors-in-govan/
https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17750405.inspirational-govan-nurse-comes-top-national-vote/
https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17628125.glasgow-nurse-sarah-everett-in-running-for-top-award/
https://www.thenational.scot/news/17751134.nurse-behind-men-s-health-hub-wins-public-award/
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-nurse-who-helped-isolated-16544590
http://www.independentnurse.co.uk/professional-article/career-profile-sarah-everett/216383/
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18022066.stars-south-shine-champs/
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18088162.community-champions-unsung-heroes-get-moment-spotlight/
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18080371.glasgow-community-champions-get-ready-moment-spotlight/
Winning “Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2022”
“Calendar Boys” Calendar makes the Glasgow Times.
“It's been a year and a half since I became a "shedder" and even I have noticed a huge difference in myself. When I first met Sarah to talk about being part of what I privately called "her project" I was very reluctant to be part of anything really, as I never thought I'd be useful enough, but I thought that I would go along to the meeting and see what I could see. At least it would get me out of the house. Now, I have difficulty staying away! I've found a part of me that's taken to working on the garden area that I didn't know I had. When it's raining I'm fidgety and feeling that there's something I should be doing (after I've done the housework and laundry!). I'm even seriously thinking of college. “
“My dad attends the men's shed. I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone at the group. My dad was my mums full time carer and it was a very hard job he had for many years. He has been utterly lost without her. I feel as if this place has given him a purpose again and he loves the company and the routine. He tells us all about it at the weekend and it's all very positive. My siblings and I are so truly thankful, it wonderful to see him smiling again. Kind regards x”
“My wife went into a home with dementia and I was completely lost, and I started drinking and drinking very heavily to forget everything that was concerning me. I got on to a service called the “Good morning service” and they put me onto Men’s Shed Govan. I come down here, and I kept myself to myself for a good few weeks, I’ve actually opened myself up now more than I was, I was all closed in, just sat in the house and watched telly, you know television was my life then.”
How would you say the Men’s shed has transformed your life?
“It’s made me a better man from what I was, it’s made me a lot of friends, and I’m quite happy now.”
“Gives me a purpose to get up in the morning, this has helped me no end, as all I was doing was sitting in the house for months not talking to anyone”
“it’s a place to go and socialise with guys round about my own age that I can get on with and talk to”
“it’s good company, good craic. I’m meeting people from different walks of life and I’m learning things I did’ny know before”
Daughter of Shed Member : Nov 22
“ We are so grateful for everything you do for my Dad. If he wasn’t at the shed he would have been gone a long time ago. It’s the best thing ever for him. Keeps him occupied and gives him a purpose. Before he went, all he talked about was dying. Thank you from all of us.