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UK Men's Sheds Association.
Westminster, London, UK — The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of Shedders and community projects at the UK Men’s Sheds Awards 2025. The ceremony brought together Shedders, MPs, Peers, supporters and funders from across the UK to recognise individuals and groups making a profound difference in their communities.
“This year’s ceremony celebrated the remarkable diversity and creativity of Sheds across the UK, not to mention the powerful impact Sheds have on their members and the wider community” said Caroline Ellis, CEO, UKMSA. “We were honoured to have support from many MPs and peers including Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, Al Carns MP, Armed Forces Minister and Chris Bloore MP who sponsored the event.”
The prestigious title of UK Shed of the Year 2025 was won by Men’s Shed Blaenau Gwent. This South Wales Shed has strengthened community ties by embracing diverse projects and member needs, including podcasting and growing their Ladies group for craft and emotional support. Their standout intergenerational project saw the creation of a mini golf course built by Shedders with boys from the local school – aimed at improving school attendance and going on to be used by over 1,000 students – demonstrating their commitment to social inclusion, wellbeing, and innovative community engagement.
Broadstairs Town Shed in Kent took home the Health and Wellbeing Award for its holistic approach to supporting members’ physical and mental health. The Shed offers “Wellbeing Mondays” and “Creative Fridays,” giving members space to connect, reflect, and find renewed purpose through woodworking and shared activities.
The Community Project Award went to Reddish Men’s Shed in Stockport for their “Bike Giveaway” that restores and donates bikes to community groups, schools, and charities, promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and ensuring affordable cycling access for people of all income levels.
Partnerships play a vital role for local communities. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed was awarded the Partnership Award for its groundbreaking collaboration with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, providing a stigma-free environment for men affected by illness, including cancer. Their “Men Like Us” initiative offers friendship, practical support, and a sense of belonging, becoming the most referred-to social prescribing project in the county.
The newly introduced Armed Forces Award, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, was presented to Ripon Men’s Shed in North Yorkshire. The group was recognised for its creative and community-minded project marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day - a full-size knitted “Churchill Tank” made in collaboration with the Ripon Community Poppy Project. The initiative raised funds for Help for Heroes and gained national recognition.
Braunton Men’s Shed in Devon, winners of The Heritage & Habitat Award, transformed two disused railway carriages into a fully functional workshop. Their “Toolcycle” scheme restores and recycles tools for local use, while environmental projects such as wildlife boxes and repair cafés underline their commitment to sustainability and community heritage.
In one of the most moving moments of the afternoon, Robert Taylor of Medway Men in Sheds was named Shedder of the Year. Blind and facing health challenges, Rob has become the backbone of his Shed—organising projects, guiding members, and offering wisdom and reassurance. “His dedication, compassion, and resilience embody the very spirit of the Men’s Sheds movement,” commented Rob Lloyd, chair UKMSA Trustees.
Two Sheds received Special Recognition Awards. Humber Shed Alliance, a network of 22 Sheds working collaboratively across Humberside was heralded for sharing resources, training, and partnerships with the NHS. The Octopus Shed Project from Kent was recognised for supporting the work of UKMSA in the field of men’s health including hosting a visit from the Department of Health and Social Care, supporting Diageo’s alcohol moderation programme and taking part in the UKMSA mental health video with an impactful story from Shedder Peter about his personal journey.
Chris Fisher, UKMSA Patron and renowned as The Blind Woodturner, congratulated all nominees and winners, thanking sponsors, ambassadors, and supporters for their ongoing commitment. “These awards shine a light on the extraordinary things happening in Sheds across the UK,” said Fisher. “From restoring bicycles to supporting veterans and improving mental health, Shedders continue to prove the power of community, skill-sharing, and friendship.”
The UK Men’s Shed Awards were sponsored by Diageo, TiteFix, and Royal British Legion with specially designed trophies for the winners created and supplied by Carveco. For more details please visit: https://menssheds.org.uk/awards2025/
Distributed by Pressat