Supporting Shedders with Complex Mental Health Needs: A Qualitative Study of Social Prescribing Pathways into Men’s Sheds

Summary

Social isolation is a concern for older adults, particularly after the loss of their long-term partner (Taylor, 2020).  Community Men’s Sheds have emerged as a valued setting that supports older men to re-engage socially in an environment that feels informal, purposeful, and culturally familiar.

Men’s Sheds provide a safe, supportive, and accessible space where participants ("shedders") can learn, develop, or practice skills in crafts such as woodwork or metalwork.

Working ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with peers fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared identity, enabling friendships to develop organically.

These friendships can, in turn, provide the confidence to share personal concerns that men may otherwise struggle to express.

Evidence demonstrates that participation in Men’s Sheds can improve mental health, enhance subjective well-being, and reduce experiences of social isolation (Foettinger et al., 2022).

Social prescribing was introduced in England as a means of addressing loneliness and has since been adopted more widely to support individuals with a range of mental health-related and social needs.

While delivery models vary, link workers typically support primary care patients to connect with community organisations or groups.

Men’s Sheds have reported increased referrals through social prescribing pathways, reflecting their growing role in meeting social care needs.

Yet, this expansion also introduces new challenges. Shed leaders, predominantly volunteers, express concern about their lack of training in mental health, safeguarding, and risk management, as well as the added responsibilities associated with supporting individuals with complex needs (Porter et al., 2025).

This tension highlights a broader challenge within community-led models of care, where expectations placed on volunteers may exceed available training and resources.

Objectives of the research:

The purpose of this research is to:
Understand the psychosocial needs and community resources required to support a shedder with complex mental health needs

Understand the perspective of social prescribing to Men’s Sheds of multiple stakeholders to gain insight into effective support, communication and training required.

Methods to be used:

This project will employ mainly qualitative methods.  Interviews and observational data will be used to gather information from key stakeholders involved in the community support of people with complex mental health conditions. Thematic analysis and social network analysis will be used to prepare the results.

Skills required of applicant:

A strong undergraduate degree in Psychology or undergraduate degree with a psychology component (e.g. health studies, sport and exercise science)

Good interpersonal skills

Experience of qualitative methods

Experience of or interest in community projects

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This opportunity is open to all applicants.

The tuition fee for international and EU (excluding ROI) candidates is £19,040 for 2026/27.

Studentship funding is available to UK and ROI applicants, as follows:

• MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900.
• All applicants to the project will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship.
• Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
• Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
• Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.