Dunfermline Men’s Shed - Improving sustainability
Building Sustainability, Skills and Community at Dunfermline Men's Shed
A grant of £1,500 from Carnegie Dunfermline Trust has helped Dunfermline Men's Shed improve the sustainability of its workshop facilities while strengthening community connections and building valuable life-saving skills among local volunteers.
The funding supported the group's"Improving Sustainability" project, which aimed to make practical improvements to the Steadings buildings and invest in assets that would benefit all users of the facility. The Steadings are used by several voluntary organisations, making them an important community resource.
Enhancing a Valuable Community Asset
Using the Trust's grant, members worked together to replace deteriorating external doors in three areas of the workshop with new fire-rated doors, improving both the safety and longevity of the building. The project also included the installation of fanlight windows and the purchase of materials for a fourth door, which is being completed by members.
In addition, the group purchased and installed a community defibrillator, ensuring that an important piece of life-saving equipment is available on site for all users of the Steadings. Training sessions in CPR and defibrillator use were arranged for members of the four voluntary groups that use the building, helping participants gain confidence in responding to emergencies.
Supporting Health, Wellbeing and Reducing Isolation
The Men's Shed provides a welcoming environment for people who may be experiencing loneliness, bereavement, health challenges or other difficult life circumstances. Members come together to share skills, undertake practical projects and build supportive relationships.
As well as improving the physical condition of the building, the project delivered wider wellbeing benefits. Members working on the new doors had opportunities to learn new woodworking skills, while others were able to share their expertise and feel valued for their contribution. The CPR and defibrillator training also equipped participants with knowledge that could potentially save lives in the future.
Partnership Working
The project was strengthened through support from local partners. Donations of timber from the Council and window panels from CR Smith Ltd helped maximise the impact of the Trust's funding. The relationship developed through the project also led to opportunities for members to visit the company's factory and receive additional materials for future woodworking activities.
A Lasting Impact
The project exceeded its intended reach, benefiting more than 50 people and generating over 50 volunteer hours. Members report that the new doors have been widely admired, while the defibrillator and CPR training received particularly positive feedback from participants.
Reflecting on the project, the group noted that while larger volunteer-led projects can take longer to complete due to limited weekly meeting times, the improvements were delivered successfully and within a reasonable timeframe. The final door is now nearing completion, ensuring the benefits of the project will continue into the future.
Through a relatively small grant, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust has helped create a safer, more sustainable and more welcoming community space, while supporting skills development, wellbeing and community resilience for the many people who use the Steadings.
Project Summary
Organisation: Dunfermline Men's Shed
Project: Improving Sustainability
Grant Award: £1,500
Trust Priorities: Health & Wellbeing, Poverty Alleviation, Reducing Loneliness
Key Outcomes: New fire doors installed, community defibrillator purchased, CPR training delivered and improved sustainability of a shared community facility.
