Hawick Men’s Shed is a private sector organisation dedicated to supporting people and communities in the Scottish Borders. Established as a registered charity in September 2016, it provides a welcoming space for men and women to connect, share skills, and promote wellbeing.
The organisation operates from a two-storey building at 7 Lothian Street, Hawick, a former mill that had been unoccupied for many years. In 2016, Hawick Men’s Shed secured a 10-year lease from the Scottish Borders Council, allowing them to refurbish the premises to better serve the community.
Key activities and services include a variety of social and practical projects. Members engage in woodworking, refurbishing café furniture, creating display racks for local retailers, and building planters for schools. The Shed also hosts a railway club. These initiatives not only provide members with meaningful activities but also contribute positively to the local community.
Beneficiaries include men and women of all ages, with a third of the 60+ members under the age of 60. The Shed fosters social inclusion and camaraderie, aiming to enhance lives and strengthen community bonds. Future plans include adding a chess group, cribbage group, board games, a music group for young people, and converting one of the workshops into a model-making area.
Governance is managed by a committee of trustees. The Shed operates Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12pm, ( Wednesday 4pm) and is open to new members.
Through its ongoing activities and future plans, Hawick Men’s Shed continues to make a positive impact on the lives of its members and the wider community, fostering connections and enhancing wellbeing.
