Men in Sheds MK is a volunteer-run community workshop bringing people together through making, repairing, learning and sharing practical skills.
We are part of the wider Men’s Sheds movement, which began in Australia and has since grown into an international network of community workshops. Men in Sheds MK is affiliated with the UK Men’s Sheds Association and, with more than 100 members, is one of the larger Sheds in the UK.
Based at Kiln Farm in Milton Keynes, we provide a welcoming place where people can work on their own projects, learn new skills, share their knowledge and experience, or simply enjoy the company of others.
But we’re about much more than having access to a workshop. Our members regularly put their skills to use supporting charities, schools, community groups and other organisations across Milton Keynes.
Our community
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and bring with them an extraordinary range of skills, knowledge and life experience.
Some join because they want somewhere to continue a lifelong hobby or trade. Others come to learn something completely new, meet people, get involved with community projects or simply have somewhere friendly to enjoy a cup of tea and a conversation.
While Men’s Sheds were originally established particularly to support men’s health and wellbeing, Men in Sheds MK welcomes both men and women aged 18 and over.
We aim to provide an inclusive, friendly and supportive environment where people can participate at their own pace and in whatever way works for them.
What we do
There’s rarely a typical day at the Shed.
Members undertake their own projects, help one another, repair and restore things, experiment with new technologies and collaborate on larger pieces of work.
We also undertake community projects and selected commissions, putting the practical skills of our members to work for organisations throughout Milton Keynes and beyond.
Past projects have included making and restoring public benches, building outdoor libraries and planters for schools, producing collection boxes for MK Food Bank, restoring street furniture, creating theatrical scenery and props, and tackling plenty of unusual jobs that don’t fit neatly into any particular category.
If you have a project you think we might be able to help with, we’d love to hear about it.
Our workshops
Our Kiln Farm premises contain an extensive range of facilities covering woodworking, metalworking, welding, model making, stained glass, arts and crafts and model railways.
Our Makerspace adds another dimension, providing facilities for electronics, 3D printing, digital making and other technology-based projects.
Members range from complete beginners to people with decades of professional and practical experience. Sharing that knowledge is an important part of Shed life, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn from one another.
Community projects & partnerships
Working with the wider community is an important part of what we do.
We collaborate with charities, schools, community organisations, local businesses and other partners on projects where the facilities, skills and enthusiasm of our members can make a difference.
These relationships can take many forms, from making or repairing something for another organisation to larger collaborative projects, community events and corporate partnerships.
They also give our members opportunities to use their skills for a purpose, tackle interesting challenges and see their work benefiting people beyond the Shed.
How we’re run
Men in Sheds MK is an independent registered charity run by volunteers, with no paid employees.
Day-to-day activities are supported by our Management Committee and other member volunteers, while our Board of Trustees is responsible for the charity’s governance, finances and strategic direction.
The Shed is normally open up to four days each week, with members helping to keep everything from the workshops to the kettle running.
How we’re funded
Running a large community workshop isn’t cheap. Our annual operating costs are expected to exceed £80,000 in 2026, covering premises, utilities, insurance, maintenance, equipment and the many other costs involved in providing a safe and well-equipped facility.
Members are asked to contribute £20 per month towards running the Shed, but we don’t want someone’s financial circumstances to prevent them from taking part.
We therefore also depend on the generosity of supporters, grant funders, sponsors, businesses and community partners.
Their support helps us maintain our facilities, replace and improve equipment, provide appropriate safety equipment, keep participation affordable and continue supporting projects across the wider Milton Keynes community.