Friday 28 November, 2025
Westminster, London, UK – The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of Shedders and community projects at the UK Men’s Sheds Awards 2025. The ceremony brought together Shedders, Members of Parliament (MPs), Peers, supporters, and funders from across the UK to acknowledge individuals and groups making a significant difference in their communities.
“This year’s ceremony honored the remarkable diversity and ingenuity of Sheds throughout the UK, as well as the powerful impact they have on their members and the wider community,” stated Caroline Ellis, CEO of UKMSA. “We were honored to have the support of 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 highly coveted title of UK Shed of the Year 2025 was awarded to Men’s Shed Blaenau Gwent. This South Wales Shed has fostered community connections by embracing diverse projects and member needs, including podcasting and expanding their Ladies group for crafting and emotional support. Their exceptional intergenerational project involved Shedders and boys from the local school collaborating to create a mini golf course, which has been utilized by over 1,000 students, demonstrating their commitment to social inclusion, wellbeing, and innovative community engagement.
Broadstairs Town Shed in Kent was presented with the Health and Wellbeing Award for its holistic approach to supporting members’ physical and mental health. The Shed offers “Wellbeing Mondays” and “Creative Fridays,” providing members with the space to connect, reflect, and find renewed purpose through woodworking and shared activities.
The Community Project Award was given to Reddish Men’s Shed in Stockport for their “Bike Giveaway” initiative, which restores and donates bikes to community groups, schools, and charities. This project promotes sustainability, reduces waste, and ensures affordable access to cycling for people of all income levels.
Partnerships play a vital role in building strong local communities. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed was recognized with the Partnership Award for their 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, making it 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. This group was acknowledged for their creative and community-minded project commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day – a full-size knitted “Churchill Tank” made in collaboration with the Ripon Community Poppy Project. This 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 highlight their commitment to sustainability and community heritage.
In one of the most touching moments of the afternoon, Robert Taylor of Medway Men in Sheds was named Shedder of the Year. Despite being blind and facing health challenges, Rob has become the backbone of his Shed – organizing 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 of UKMSA Trustees.
Two Sheds received Special Recognition Awards. Humber Shed Alliance, a network of 22 Sheds working collaboratively across Humberside, was praised for sharing resources, training, and partnerships with the National Health Service (NHS). The Octopus Shed Project from Kent was recognized 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 program, and participating in the UKMSA mental health video featuring Shedder Peter sharing 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 demonstrate the power of community, skill-sharing, and friendship.”
The UK Men’s Shed Awards were sponsored by Diageo, TiteFix, and the 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/
