About the UK Men’s Shed Awards 2026

These Awards recognise Sheds and individuals that make a difference and exemplify the Shed movement.

To qualify to be considered for any of the award categories your Shed must be a current member of UKMSA.

The UK Men’s Sheds Awards will take place on 19th November 2026 in Birmingham.

Shortlisted Sheds will receive two invitations per Shed to the event.

This year we have introduced two new awards, detailed below along with information about the judging criteria for each award.

General Information

• To win an award your Shed must be a current UKMSA member. You can renew or start your membership online.
• You are allowed to nominate your own Shed or Shedder, or others, for multiple awards but please be aware that one or two more detailed nominations may be more impactful than briefer nominations for multiple awards.
• All entries in all categories will be considered for The Shed Of The Year Award. Simply select whether you wish your entry to be put forward for Shed of The Year and provide supporting information.
• Full details for entries are below or download the PDF version of the UK Men’s Sheds Awards Guidance

Award Categories

This year we have divided the Award that was known last year as the Heritage & Habitat Award into two, one focusing on heritage and preservation, now known as the Heritage & History Award, and one solely focused on nature and environmental impact, the Green Shed Award. 

• Community Project Award
• Partnership Award
• Health and Wellbeing Award
• Armed Forces Community Award
• Green Shed Award
• Heritage & History Award
• Shedder of the Year
• UKMSA Shed of the Year Award (opt in to nominate for this)
• Special Recognition Award (all entries may be considered for this award)

Shed of the Year Award 

• All entries in all categories can be considered for The Shed Of The Year Award. Simply select whether you wish your entry to be put forward for Shed of The Year and provide supporting information.
• We would love to show off your winning Sheds to our partners! By entering a nomination into the UK Men’s Sheds Awards you are confirming you are happy for UKMSA to facilitate a visit to your Shed, from one of our partners and UKMSA staff. 

Special Recognition Award 

• You may not nominate for this category specifically.
• The Special Recognition Award will be awarded to a Shed that may have embarked on an innovative project, overcome challenges or achieved something slightly outside of the parameters of the specific awards categories, that UKMSA would like to acknowledge.
• There may be more than one winner in this category and the winner(s) are decided by the UKMSA Team (including staff, trustees and volunteer Ambassadors).

Nomination Information

• We accept video nominations and written submissions.
• You may submit either a written nomination or a video submission, not both.
• We will not be accepting photographs or additional text outside the form, as part of your nomination.  

Written Nominations

• If you would like to submit a written nomination, please follow this link UKMSA Awards Nomination Form
• Please complete the nomination form as directed, ensuring all fields are filled in.
• Please note that there is a word count limit on applications so please share the most relevant and impactful information.
• If you are nominating someone for Shedder of the Year, please include both your contact details as the nominator.

Video Nominations  

• If you are submitting a video nomination, please follow this link www.wetransfer.com  
• You can either drag and drop your video if using a computer, or upload from files on your phone. 
• Please send video nominations by WeTransfer to awards@ukmsa.org.uk  
• Please complete the Shed nomination form as directed and tick the box indicating you are entering a video nomination. 
• Video submissions must be no longer than 4 minutes 30 seconds.  
• Please clearly state your Shed name, contact name and the award category you are entering at the start of the video. If you are nominating someone for Shedder of the Year, please include both your contact details as the nominator, and theirs as the nominee.  
• Video submissions can feature multiple people, can showcase your Shed or projects, or include testimonials from Shed members.  
• Video submissions must still fulfil the award criteria to be considered as winners. 

Community Project Award

This award celebrates Sheds that are making a big difference outside their Shed, in their local communities, with one off projects.

For Sheds to be considered for this award they must be working altruistically to better their communities and improve the lives of the people around them.

• Has your Shed created or worked on something that is being used by others in the community? This could be something like a sensory garden, a community allotment, or refurbishing a disused space for other people to use.
• Has your Shed been working to better support groups or organisations that support others in your local community? Examples could include working on projects or pieces for schools, care homes, refugees or asylum seekers, community centres or charities etc, without getting work or payment in return. If you are carrying out reciprocal work, have a look at our Partnership Award criteria.
• How is this making a positive impact on the people around you? Tell us how this project or work has made a difference to the people involved in the project. You could include quotes from people that have benefitted from your project.
• Is your Shed making your community a better place to live? How has this project improved your area/community overall?

Previous winners:

2025 – Reddish Men’s Shed

Reddish Men in Sheds has transformed its community by giving unwanted bicycles — and the people who restore them — a second chance through their hugely successful Bike Giveaway project. The scheme accelerated rapidly, gifting over 90 refurbished bikes to people facing financial hardship, social disadvantage, or barriers to education, work or travel.

The project has helped families cycle together, enabled children to reach school reliably, and provided eco-friendly transport to those who need it most. For Shedders, the project has been equally life-changing: offering purpose, companionship and recovery, with one member describing the group as “a godsend”.

2024 – Rhyl Men’s Shed

Rhyl Men’s Shed has carried out multiple projects which benefitted their local community. These have included creating an allotment area at the back of a chip shop for local families that were struggling financially, set up a community resource system for local people to loan equipment for free, and transformed a piece of waste ground into a free community fruit garden complete with bird and insect boxes. The Shed also created a community Christmas sleigh to tour the area for local children, money donated was split between three local foodbanks.

Partnership Award

This award recognises what can be achieved when Sheds form strong, ongoing partnerships with others, working reciprocally to meet mutual need.

For Sheds to be considered for this award they must be working in collaboration with others to achieve common goals and positive outcomes.

• Has your Shed formed a partnership with another organisation or individual to achieve something together? This could include short term work on a specific project, or a longer-term relationship. Ideally this will be a reciprocal relationship, with both the Shed and organisation benefiting.
• How was this partnership formed and what were the original aims? Was this partnership developed through mutual connections or Shedder contacts? Tell us how your Shed started working with others and why collaboration with others seemed beneficial.
• How is this partnership benefitting your Shed, and the other organisation/group/individual involved? This partnership may result in things for your Shed such as free or low-cost materials, use of space or premises, projects or jobs, training, skills or referrals. Tell us how your partnership benefits the other party involved and what they get from your Shed. This could include things like repairs or maintenance, referrals, support at events, use of space or premises, training or skills. You could include quotes or testimonials from partners to demonstrate the impact your partnership has.

Previous winners:

2025 – Shrewsbury Men’s Shed

Shrewsbury Men’s Shed has created one of the strongest partnerships in the UK Shed movement through its long-standing collaboration with Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust. As the most frequently referred social prescribing organisation in the county, the Shed has become a trusted, stigma-free space for men facing stroke, mental ill health, addiction and especially cancer.

A standout achievement is the “Men Like Us” cancer support group — a men-only space hosted in the Shed’s warm, purpose-built social area, designed for openness, trust and conversation. Many men who previously avoided formal support now walk through the Shed’s doors, discovering community, friendship and understanding. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed shows what’s possible when a Shed becomes a true partner in health, offering sanctuary, purpose and belonging during life’s most difficult moments.

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2024 – Pontypridd Men’s Shed

Pontypridd Men’s Shed main partner is Pontypridd Town Council. Through this partnership the Shed has been able to access support with grant writing and funding applications, and have set up a winter warm room in a local community centre, run by volunteers from the Shed, helping those dealing with hardship due to food and fuel costs. The Shed was planning to give support and run activities at a new community centre being developed by the council. Through the council, the Shed has also worked with a number or primary schools to develop a WW2 garden in the town, which the Shedders maintain and guide visitors around. Along with their town council, Pontypridd partner with others such as their county council and South Wales University.

Health and Wellbeing Award

This award recognises outstanding contributions from Sheds to support their members or wider community with health and wellbeing.

For Sheds to be considered for this award they must be making a positive impact on the lives of the members, or others around them.

• Why is health and wellbeing important to your Shed? Tell us why your Shed got interested in supporting your members to live well.
• What does your Shed do to help your Shedders stay happy and healthy? Does your Shed run any schemes or initiatives that work to deliver health information (could be written information or delivered in person through Shedders or external organisations/professionals) or support members to access health or wellbeing services? How does your Shed look after your members?
• How has this made a difference to the lives of the people in your Shed or in your community? Tell us how your Shed has transformed the lives of your members or others in your local area?
• Is your Shed involved in any health and wellbeing work that may impact or the wider population? Has your Shed taken part in awareness raising or health related publicity campaigns? Has your Shed contributed to groups or opportunities working to make a difference to improve health outcomes (your Shed may be involved in working with NHS Trusts, primary care or charities, or you may have contributed to the government call for evidence for the Men’s Health Strategy for example).

Previous winners:

2025 – Broadstairs Town Shed

For over a decade, Broadstairs Town Shed has championed the health and wellbeing of its members and wider community – growing from a busy woodworking space into a fully holistic, person-centred programme shaped directly by community need. After major building improvements and the introduction of a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Community Connector, the Shed expanded its week and opened up new pathways of support in partnership with the NHS and local organisations.

With Wellbeing Mondays and Creative Fridays complementing their core workshop days, the Shed now offers healthy-eating sessions, scam-prevention talks, mindfulness crafts, tai chi, creative writing, music and more – all in a warm, volunteer-led environment. Members describe the Shed as a lifeline and a safe place that “gave me my life back”, showing just how powerful a community becomes when creativity, compassion and connection come together.

2024 – Caerau Men’s Shed

Caerau Men Shed is situated in one of South Wales’s most highly deprived areas, and was set up in 2017 to address the lack of support for local men, with the Shed now opening five or six days a week. The Shed offers a warm hub space for men to come and have a free hot meal in a safe place twice a week. The Shed also welcome health visitors to come and talk to members about health-related topics and carry out non-invasive interventions such as blood pressure and pulse checks, with one to one follow up appointments offered if needed. The Shed runs walking football each week to offer physical activity for their members and also took part in the alcohol moderation campaign with UKMSA partners Diageo, using their Shed and member story to highlight how Sheds can make a difference to those wishing to reduce their alcohol intake.

Armed Forces Community Award

This award recognises outstanding impact on the Armed Forces Community through the work of your Shed. For Sheds to be considered for this award, they must be actively engaging with members of the Armed Forces Community or organisations supporting veterans, service leavers, serving personnel or dependants.

* Please note – This award is only be open to those Sheds that have been accredited through the UKMSA Armed Forces Community Accreditation Scheme.* For more information about this scheme, please contact admin@ukmsa.org.uk

• Does your Shed provide regular and meaningful support for veterans, serving personnel or dependants through Shed activities? This could include dedicated forces friendly sessions, peer support in your Shed or specific projects or events supporting the wider Armed Forces Community in your local area. Does your Shed make a clear effort to welcome those from military backgrounds into your Shed? If so, how do you do this?
• Does your Shed regularly engage with Armed Forces events in your local community? This could be involvement with events such as Remembrance Day, the Battle of Britain, VE or VJ Day, or Armed Forces Day. How do your Shedders get involved and why is it important to your Shed?
• Does your Shed work with military support or veteran organisations in your wider community? Have you done joint projects with local barracks, garrisons or bases? Have you engaged with or do you share information from military support organisations such as SSAFA, RBL, or other appropriate Armed Forces Support Services. Does your Shed take referrals from or have relationships with workers supporting those from the Armed Forces Community?

Previous winner:

2025 – Ripon Men’s Shed

Deeply rooted in Ripon’s military history, Ripon Men’s Shed has woven service, remembrance and community spirit into every aspect of its work. Their extraordinary “Knitted Tank” project — a full-size wooden framework of a Churchill Mk IV tank covered in nearly 2,000 hand-knitted squares — became a powerful tribute for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and attracted national attention while raising funds for Help for Heroes.

Shedders also support the Royal Engineers Association, dementia care units, and local veterans through craft, repair and meaningful acts of remembrance. From creating regimental replicas to crafting memorial plaques, the Shed honours service and strengthens connections between veterans and their community. Ripon Men’s Shed embodies the spirit of the Armed Forces Award: creativity, camaraderie and deep respect for those who served.

Green Shed Award

This award recognises one Men’s Shed that has made an outstanding contribution to environmental sustainability, conservation, or wildlife preservation.

For Sheds to be considered for this award, they must be promoting greener living, restoring or protecting the natural world, reducing waste, preserving wildlife or habitats and/or engaging in community-led action that supports biodiversity, climate awareness, and a connection to place.

• Has your Shed been working to be more sustainable and reduce impact on your environment? This could include working to reduce carbon footprint and your environmental impact with things like solar panels, LED lighting, batteries, insulation, energy saving features, implementing rainwater harvesting or greywater reuse, introducing composting systems, reusing scrap materials, reducing waste and eliminating single use plastics.
• Is your Shed supporting biodiversity or nature projects? Have you been planting trees or native wildflowers, running pollinator-friendly gardening or rewilding projects, maintaining or restoring green or woodland areas or working with local conservation groups/nature trusts/branches of national organisations?
• Is your Shed working to support local wildlife? Tell us if you have been working to provide homes or habitats for local wildlife such as bug hotels, bird boxes, bat boxes bee homes, or ponds. Have you been involved in supporting the survival of declining animal or bird populations?
• Has your Shed been working to inform or educate others about natural conservation or the environment? This could include supporting school or intergenerational environmental projects, working with local councils to promote sustainable behaviour or using Shed communications or events to inspire environmental action.

Previous winner:

This is a new award, and there are no previous winners. Maybe your Shed could be the first!

Heritage & History Award

This award recognises a Shed that is making a positive contribution in preserving and promoting heritage and local or regional history.

For Sheds to be considered for this award, they must be working to share skills/techniques, information or stories that can help preserve a connection to the past for new audiences, either in or out of their Shed. organisations?

• Is your Shed undertaking conservation work or heritage projects? Tell us if you have been restoring historic tools, significant artefacts, furniture or community features, or supporting the upkeep of heritage buildings, sites or public spaces. Is your Shed based at a heritage site?
• Has your Shed been learning or teaching traditional or heritage skills? Have you been involved in the preservation of endangered skills such as coracle making, flax processing, wooden boat making or hand engraving? Is your Shed using traditional tools and methods for projects rather than modern day equipment?
• Is your Shed working to educate your community or others about local history or industry? Tell us if your Shed is collaborating with museums and/or heritage organisations, supporting the creation of educational displays/models or running/supporting events for members of the public. Is there a significant industry, trade or place of architectural or cultural importance in your area that you are helping to preserve or educate others about?
• Has your Shed helped to celebrate a person of local significance? Let us know if your Shed has been involved in designing or creating monuments, memorials or educational pieces based on people that have held local, regional or national significance from your area.

Previous winner:

Although this is a new award, the winner of last year’s Heritage & Habitat Award had a focus on heritage preservation.

2025 – Braunton Men’s Shed

Braunton Men’s Shed turned a long search for premises into something truly unique: building their Shed inside two lovingly restored railway goods carriages. Set on reclaimed tracks, the workshops honour the village’s lost railway line while inspiring the “Trains Gone By” project — a community history initiative capturing and celebrating local memories in a beautifully produced booklet.

Beyond heritage, Braunton Shedders champion sustainability with their Toolcycle scheme, repair café, wildlife habitats and creative conservation projects in partnership with local groups. Whether supporting Cubs, crafting swift boxes or helping residents reconnect with local history, the Shed proves that size doesn’t determine impact — creativity, kindness and community spirit do.

Shedder of the Year 

This award recognises an exceptional Shedder and their experiences of being part of their Shed. This could be any Shed member and does not have to be a formal volunteer supporting at the Shed. This award is not based solely on achievements or a person holding a particular role in the Shed.

• Do you have a Shed member that has transformed their own life by attending the Shed? How have things changed for this person since getting involved in the Shed? Can you tell us about their journey?
• Do you have someone in your Shed that empowers others? Does your nominee help support others, give confidence or share skills, encourage others to join in or make people feel welcome?
• Do you have somebody that embodies the ethos of the Shed Movement? Tell us how they work with others, support your Shed to thrive, keep your Shed involved in the community, or champion the work that Sheds do.

Previous winners:

2025 – Robert Taylor, Medway Men In Sheds

Registered blind and living with significant health challenges, Rob has become the intellectual and emotional anchor of Medway Men in Sheds. After losing his wife to cancer and facing his own declining health, the Shed became a lifeline — but over time, Rob became a lifeline for everyone else.

With an extraordinary photographic memory and a background in industry and government, Rob supports the Shed through research, PR, governance, networking, administration, fundraising, safeguarding awareness and 24/7 communication. He checks in on members, mentors staff, and keeps the organisation grounded, fair and forward-looking. Rob embodies the very heart of the Shed movement: compassion, wisdom, community and unwavering support.

2024 – 2024 – Mark Mantle, Ludlow Men’s Shed

Rhyl Men’s Shed has carried out multiple projects which benefitted their local community. These have included creating an allotment area at the back of a chip shop for local families that were struggling financially, set up a community resource system for local people to loan equipment for free, and transformed a piece of waste ground into a free community fruit garden complete with bird and insect boxes. The Shed also created a community Christmas sleigh to tour the area for local children, money donated was split between three local foodbanks.

UK Men’s Shed of the Year Award

This award recognises a Shed that has made significant impact across all or most of the other categories, and who are making a noticeable and long-lasting impact on their members and those in their community.

There are no specific criteria for this award, and all nominations for other categories will be considered as entries for the UK Men’s Shed of the Year.

Previous winner:

Although this is a new award, the winner of last year’s Heritage & Habitat Award had a focus on heritage preservation.

2025 – The Shed, Blaenau Gwent

Men’s Shed Blaenau Gwent is a thriving hub of environmental action, intergenerational teamwork and community care. Their large-scale pallet recycling programme has transformed waste wood into usable items for local groups while giving young people practical skills and pride in their achievements. Members have also created 75 wildlife habitats, a community garden offering free produce, and a sustainability model rooted in composting, rainwater harvesting and creative reuse.

Beyond making and mending, the Shed tackles isolation through its warm hub, litter-picking champions, digital upskilling through podcasting, and a flourishing Ladies’ Group. Their standout intergenerational project — a mini golf course built with local boys struggling with attendance — has since benefited over 1,000 students. The Shed is a joyful, generous force for good, strengthening wellbeing, nature and community life across the Valleys.

2024 – Shrewsbury Men’s Shed

Shrewsbury Men’s Shed serve as a vibrant community hub, hosting groups like dementia support, men with cancer, woodturners, and horticulturists. Key projects include restoring Percy Thrower’s greenhouse, launching a ferry service to improve town access, and supporting Afghan families with cooking, crafts, and establishing their own Sheds. Shed members have recently learned the heritage craft of coracle making which they starting to teach to others, and the Shed are also welcoming the local Afghan community to engage in crafts and cookery with them. Their work is driven by a commitment to Shedders, community, and the environment.

Thank you to our Sponsors

We’re grateful for the generous support that makes this celebration possible.

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