By David Cowell – Associate Director of Sport: Wellbeing and Impact
The University of East London (UEL) is proud to have developed, alongside UKMSA, what is believed to be the UK’s first university-based Men’s Shed. This initiative brings the Men’s Shed movement into higher education, creating a dedicated space where students can connect, share skills, and support one another.
When we first started talking about setting up a Men’s Shed with colleagues from UEL Student Services, we knew we wanted it to be more than just a workshop. In our early focus groups, we invited Keira Summerhayes and Ian Francis from UKMSA, representatives from Newham Council, and members of Newham’s Breaking Grounds Shed. Together, we explored how a Men’s Shed could become part of UEL’s wider social prescribing provision—somewhere students could step away from the pressures of university life, meet new people, make something with their hands, and simply enjoy spending time together. Over the past 12 months, our ongoing collaboration with Keira has helped fully realise this vision. UEL’s Men’s Shed will be featured in a forth coming Media Trust Film showcasing London Sheds, the wider movement and highlighting UKMSA’s vital work.
The Shed project has been a true cross-university effort alongside UKMSA and local partners. We built the Shed with a shared goal; to make a positive, lasting difference to student life. Along the way, we’ve received fantastic support from local contractors who donated tools and equipment, as well as a former carpenter who generously gave his time to help plan activities and share his expertise.
Our very first session exceeded all expectations. Around 60 to 70 students and staff came along to build bird boxes, which have since been handed over to our Craft Club to decorate before being put up around campus as a lasting reminder of day one. The bird boxes were a little rustic, but that was half the fun! The best part was seeing people chatting, helping each other, and having a laugh while creating something tangible. Students also completed surveys to help shape future sessions, pitching ideas for upcoming projects. Our next project—building bug hotels—fits brilliantly with UEL’s sustainability plan to encourage campus wildlife, embedding the Men’s Shed directly into the university’s broader culture.
We are still at the beginning of this journey. The next step is constructing a permanent workshop on campus where the Shed can truly find its home. We want to continue running practical sessions, collaborating on projects that benefit both the university and the local community, and offering students a place to learn skills, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging.
