UK Men’s Sheds Awards 2026 celebrate the people and projects making a difference across the UK

The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is inviting its entries to the UK Men’s Sheds Awards 2026, celebrating the people, projects and partnerships that make Men’s Sheds such an important part of communities across the UK.

Men’s Sheds offer friendship and support, skills sharing, and support for veterans whilst often improving local environments by delivering community projects. With around 1,100 Sheds in the UK, the Awards sponsored by Diageo/DrinkiQ, recognise those achievements and provide an opportunity to showcase the impact of the UK’s growing Shed movement on the men themselves, their families and the wider community.

Whether it is a long-established Shed, a newly formed group or an individual Shedder making a difference, UKMSA wants to hear the stories behind the achievements.

The 2026 Awards feature eight categories, reflecting the wide-ranging contribution Sheds make to their members and communities:

• Community Project Award – recognising Shed projects that have made a positive impact in their local community.

• Partnership Award – celebrating successful collaborations with organisations, businesses, schools, charities and community groups.

• Health and Wellbeing Award – recognising activities that improve physical, mental or social wellbeing.

• Armed Forces Award – celebrating support for veterans, serving personnel and the wider armed forces community by Armed Forces Accredited Sheds.

• Green Shed Award – a new category recognising outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, conservation or wildlife preservation.

• Heritage & History Award – a new category celebrating Sheds helping to preserve and promote local or regional heritage and history.

• Shedder of the Year – recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond for their Shed and fellow members.

• Shed of the Year – all category entrants can choose to be considered for the overall UK Men’s Shed of the Year 2026 Award.

Caroline Ellis, CEO of the UK Men’s Sheds Association, said:

“The UK Men’s Sheds Awards are about championing the extraordinary stories of ordinary people - the volunteers, the friendships and the projects that are changing lives and building better communities.

“The categories reflect the broad impact Sheds have, not only in their own communities but across the UK. They recognise the issues Sheds tackle every day, from health and wellbeing and supporting veterans to sustainability and protecting local heritage.

“Every Shed has a story worth sharing, and we want to give Sheds the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the people who make them possible.”

Previous award winners include Sheds in Blaenau Gwent, Shrewsbury, Braunton, Ripon, Broadstairs and Reddish.

Entries open on Wednesday 26 August 2026 and close at midnight on Sunday 27 September 2026. Finalists will be announced during the week commencing 19 October, with winners announced at the Awards ceremony on International Men’s Day, 19 November 2026 in Birmingham.

For more information and to nominate your local shed, visit https://menssheds.org.uk/events/uk-mens-sheds-awards-2026