Shapinsay Men's Shed
Building Connection, Confidence & Community
Overview
The Shapinsay Men’s Shed began with a simple intention: to create a welcoming space where men on the island could connect, share skills, and support one another. Using her years of digital product management experience, Alison led the group through a full product-lifecycle approach: discovery, research, vision-setting, testing, resourcing, and iteration which laid the foundation for the Shed’s growth and long-term sustainability. What began as an idea has since evolved into a confident, community-rooted organisation now formally recognised as a Scottish charity (SC054074).
Today, the Shapinsay Men’s Shed is a network of friendships, community cafes, and shared adventures; strengthening personal and collective wellbeing across the island. Men experience purpose, belonging, contribution, and emotional connection; each a cornerstone of wholebeing.
Discovery & Formation
The project began with a community survey showing 100% support from all respondents. Interests ranged widely: woodworking, metalwork, beach clean-ups, shared meals, educational workshops, and simply having a place to meet and talk.
Alison facilitated early research and learning visits, including a hands-on trip to the Stromness Men’s Shed, where members generously shared insights that helped shape Shapinsay’s emerging vision.
On January 9, 2024 the group held its inaugural meeting and co-created shared values around trust, kindness, fairness, inclusivity, and collaboration; values that remain the foundation of everything they do.
Growing the Shed: Funding, Skills & Shared Experiences
With Alison’s leadership and grant-writing support, the Shapinsay Men’s Shed has raised over £5,000 through grants, donations, and community fundraising events. These resources helped the group organise experiences that build confidence, connection, and resilience, including:
- a team-building visit to the Westray Men’s Shed
- a full-day fishing trip around Hoy, now an annual tradition
- shared meals and a summer community BBQ
- weekly social meet-ups
- volunteering and supporting community events
- hosting cafés at the Shapinsay Show and Winter Market
In an act of intergenerational community support, their most recent café raised funds that were donated entirely to the Shapinsay Parent Council.
In March, the group celebrated a major milestone: Charitable status officially granted (SC054074)!
Their community bank account has now been fully established, marking their transition into a fully independent, community-led organisation. The group is now looking ahead to next year’s funding needs, and Alison will be supporting them through the next phase; writing grant applications and helping secure resources to sustain and expand their activities in 2026.
Impact on Wellbeing
The Shed is more than activities, it has become a lifeline for many members.
Participants speak openly about the impact:
“Joining the group gave me more confidence to meet people again and enjoy being in company.”
“I was in a rut — now I’m going out to the group where I have purpose. It’s really helping my mood.”
“I like having a space where I can come to meet people and talk.”
Through shared purpose and gentle routine, the Shed reduces isolation, builds confidence, and fosters friendships; creating the conditions for healthier, happier lives.
Its impact can be seen across several wholebeing pillars:
- Relational: friendships, trust, belonging
- Emotional: improved mood, confidence, resilience
- Intellectual: new skills and shared expertise
- Physical: hands-on activities, outdoor adventures
- Spiritual: meaning, purpose, contribution to the community
It is a living example of SPIRE and the Human Thriving Equation in action on a small island.
Where They’re Headed
The Shapinsay Men’s Shed is taking its time; intentionally.
Now with charitable status secured and structures forming, the focus remains on what matters most:
- bringing people together
- enjoying the journey
- building a culture of kindness and belonging
- supporting the community through service
- exploring new skills and shared experiences
A permanent shed space (accessible to the whole community) is the long-term goal, but until then the group continues to gather, create, travel, debate, laugh, and support each other; one memory, one game of pool, and many cups of tea and slices of Billy's cake at a time.