Montrose
Shed
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
If you are not a fan of golf and you don’t want to sit in the pub all the time, the opportunities for folks to socialise can feel pretty limited, particularly after retirement!
About Us
At GEMS Men's Shed we bring folk together to have a laugh and give them a purpose by creating and repairing items both for themselves and for the local community.
It’s worth noting that there is no pressure for members to produce items, many just come for a cuppa and some banter!
GEMS is a charity registered by the Scottish Charity Regulator with registration number SC051623.
Our Vision
Our relationships between the local community and businesses in and around Montrose are at the heart of everything we do at the shed. We rely on the community for support, and give back through our projects.
What can you do here?
Socialising
GEMS is a place open to all over the age of 18. It is run voluntarily and is a place for socialising and working on projects or hobbies.
Skill Sharing
Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring a variety of skills to GEMS. They are happy to share their knowledge with other members so, whether or not you are skilled in a particular area, help should be on hand.
Recycling
As well as providing a sense of community, GEMS plays an important role in repurposing waste materials from local businesses and transforming them into products of value.
Recently we have also been maintaining bikes under Scotland’s Cycle Repair Scheme.
Mental Health
Depression, anxiety and isolation are all common, particularly past retirement.
At GEMS we have created a safe environment for folks to come out of their shell to help them feel happier and fulfilled once more.
How do I Become a Member?
Come along to meet us when we are open. Have a chat and see what we are about.
There is no fee attached to GEMS (other than a nominal attendance charge once you are a member), nor are you held to any long-term commitment – all we ask for are your contact details to keep on file, only for use in an emergency and for keeping you up to date with news from the Shed.
Find Us
My Shed Story
After suffering a stroke, I had a long road to recovery – my mobility was limited and I felt lost. I found joy in returning to my woodworking tools which had been a big part of my adolescence and younger years. From sharpening and cleaning the hand tools to then moving on and reminding myself how to use them again, it was hugely rewarding.
I got the feeling others might enjoy something similar on their road to recovery and in my research I stumbled across the Men’s Shed movement which had started in Australia in the mid 1990’s.
This fired me up to teach my own skills and I sought to create a communal shed in Montrose which would accept all men regardless of age, colour or creed. Having now run it for a few years GEMS brings me joy from the friendships forged, memories created and the great feeling of worth and need.