Case Studies

Repair cafes and tool libraries

To provide a dynamic opportunity for members to learn first hand about repair cafes and tool libraries and discuss how this could work in the context of a Men’s Shed.

a close up of a boat in a workshop

Learning Outcomes

  • To see a small scale sawmill in operation for plans to incorporate into the organisation.
  • Hearing what other Sheds support mental health such as Tai Chi, cycling groups and a lunch shed.
  • How tool libraries items are logged and maintained.

Community Organisation:
Inverclyde Shed

Exchange Host Partners:
Menof Leith, Men’s Shed, The Heart of Newhaven, Edinburgh Tool Library

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA)

“The outcome of these visits are that Inverclyde Shed plans to launch a repair café and sawmill- utilising local wind-felled timber. No such services currently exist in Inverclyde so we hope to be able to start them to help the local economy and strengthen our sheds activities for men in the area.”