by Nicola Brown

THERE'S cause for celebration at Clydebank community group, Men's Shed, after they were awarded funding from the Asda Foundation.

A total of £812 was received by the group, which provides a space for people to come together and take part in practical skills and activities.

They are designed and run by their members and provide opportunities for people to share tools, resources and skills in order to create, learn and develop social networks.

In March, Men’s Shed Clydebank was awarded premises at the old scout site by the local council. After forming two years ago, the charity is now planning to renovate the premises into an activity room and a small workshop.

The funding will also help to pay the lease and insurance as well as the essential utility bills to get the Shed set for winter.

Adam Mirren from Men’s Shed Clydebank, said: “We are very grateful to receive the grant as we will now be able to fulfil our objective of a skill exchange between our members. "Currently there are 30 active members and 20 interim until we are in full operation. Awareness of the charity is growing in the community with interest expressed by Syrian men who have recently moved to the area with their families.”

Older people’s charity Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from the Asda Foundation, established the Sheds Grant Fund to provide small scale funding to Sheds who are looking for help with either set up, or early stage development costs. Grants of between £250 and £1,000 were made available – with applicants encouraged to apply for some of the tools and equipment they need for their activities or ongoing costs such as help with their rent or insurance.

Jo Phillips, Sheds Project Manager at Royal Voluntary Service said: “Shed activities often involve traditional crafts such as joinery, furniture renovation, metal work and mechanics, but each Shed meets the interests of its members and many now are developing a broader range of activities such as gardening, model making, photography or renovation. We are delighted to be able to set up this Grant Fund to give a helping hand to local communities and enable more local community based Sheds to get up and running across Scotland."