Keith and District Men's Shed chairman voices concerns over the Scottish Government's plan to remove funding from the Scottish Men's Sheds Association (SMSA) this year
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THE chairman of Keith and District Men's Shed has spoken of the 'threat' posed to Moray groups following the Scottish Government's plan to pull funding from Men's Sheds.
Under the new plans, Men's Sheds will no longer receive government funding in 2023 and without the funding, it is possible some groups may struggle to continue offering their services.
The Chairman of Keith and District Men's Shed Steve Hickin said: "I think the decision is absolutely appalling.
"From what I understood the Scottish government was initially very supportive of the Men's Shed movement and then now all of a sudden they've pulled the plug.
"The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is a really great resource and provides us with a lot of advice and support. It was instrumental in helping Keith start up and it has been quite emotive to hear funding will be cut.
"I'm completely devastated by it to be honest, it could be a threat to Men's Sheds in general, a lot of sheds might not be able to get the support they need."
The Men's Shed movement has grown over the last decade, beginning with just five Sheds, there are now more than 200 Men's Sheds across Scotland.
The groups have often been praised for their work in improving social isolation among men in the the area and in addition to Keith and District, there are also branches in Elgin, Forres, Cullen and Fochabers. However, without government funding it is possible some groups may struggle to remain open.
Steve added: "I think it would be a bad situation for us to be in. I was quite gobsmacked when i saw the news come out and Keith Men's Shed is understandably concerned by it.
"I think it would be a backwards step for the Scottish Government to no longer support us. Sheds are becoming more and more important in their communities, with the way things have been going really over the last couple of years with mental health it has become a safe haven and an important space for men where they can pursue hobbies or just sit down and have a chat and a bit of crack.
"To find that the Government has gone from being very supportive of the Men's Shed movement to all of a sudden abandoning it is appalling.
"The only reason i can think of that they would do that is for money, but we're not a big charity and we need support.
"We're very concerned and I think it's a big concern for the entire Shed movement in Scotland."
