King’s Lynn Mens Shed Men’s Sheds  and ‘Referrals’ 

 

We would encourage those who wish to make a ‘referral’ to bear the following points in mind when considering whether a Men’s Shed is an appropriate destination for the client with whom they are working:

 

1. Men’s Sheds are, in effect, ‘self-help’ groups – those running them are rarely, if ever, professionals and many will have come to ‘shedding’ at least partly in response to their own ongoing needs. It is sometimes said that members of Sheds are simultaneously volunteers delivering a service and beneficiaries of that same service– whilst the work done in Sheds is clearly voluntary in nature (thus delivered as ‘volunteers’), the process of doing so, in the company of others, is often the means by which Shed members will be working through their own life issues. Peer-to-peer, rather than professional, support is central to the Shed experience, with all the benefits – but also the limitations – that brings.

 

1. As a result, whilst Shed members will always do their very best, Sheds are not equipped to meet high-level needs, be that in terms of the activities provided or the human resources of the existing Shed members. Some Sheds may have developed specialisms in certain areas, and they may be forthcoming about this if they so choose, but otherwise it is important, when considering ‘referring’ a client to be realistic about what engagement with a Shed might be able to achieve for the client, and, equally, the impact it may have on the running of the Shed and the other members.

 

1. As a general rule, prospective members of a Shed should be able to take full responsibility for themselves both socially and practically, given that they will be participating in a group where others may be recovering from ill health, depression or trauma, and where there are likely to be tools and machinery that could be dangerous if not handled correctly. Where there is any doubt that this is the case, the would-be referrer should discuss this as fully as possible with the Shed leadership before exploring it further with the client.

 

1. In certain limited cases involving increased needs, the Shed leadership may request that a supporter/carer/‘buddy’ should attend sessions of the Shed with the client. It is of vital importance that the person accompanying the client is actively engaged with them and supporting them meaningfully throughout their time in the Shed. In the event of non-engagement or non-appearance of the supporter, the Shed may need to restrict what the client is permitted to do, and, if the situation persists, request that both should no longer attend the Shed.

 

1. Sheds do not regularly make use of referral forms or systems (although individual sheds are free to develop their own). Someone interested in joining would usually make contact with their local shed - this can be done by a referrer on their behalf with their permission - whereby they will be invited to come along to a session to have a look around and see what they think. Assuming that this is a positive experience for both the individual and the Shed, they will then be asked to complete a membership form and, upon acceptance, will be given a full induction session which will cover all relevant health, safety and conduct aspects, instruction in using machinery, the Shed’s responsibilities and the individual’s. They will also usually be asked to sign a form to indicate they have understood what is required and agree to abide by the Shed’s code of conduct.

 

1. Membership of, or participation in, a Shed should not replace or substitute any responsibility held by the referring organisation for the client’s wellbeing. It is understood that different organisations will have varying referral procedures, but it is respectfully suggested that any organisation seeking to refer on a client simply to conclude its own involvement in the case should seek a more appropriate agency to which to refer. In the event of organisations that offer only short-term support seeking to refer, the Shed leadership may request advice of a suitable continuation agency to which they can refer back should the need arise.

 

 

 

Norfolk Sheds Network, November 2021