Place where men meet IT is often said that men find the conversation of sharing emotions a little difficult, indeed the array of Scottish health statistics highlight the loneliness that many men feel and how this impacts negatively on their wellbeing.

In Scotland, some men still deem discussing their feelings as a weakness in their character, resulting in their silent suffering.

However, this proud ‘hunter gatherer’ gender are finding ways to increase opportunities to share conversations through skills-based workshops.

There has been a substantial rise in the ‘Mens Sheds’ movement, with many spaces popping up all over the country and Clackmannanshire is no exception.

Across our County are many places that are providing opportunities for men to meet and share their skills, with the Wee County Crafters in Alva through to Riverwood Studios in Alloa.

Kenny Brown, a locally based woodturner said, “I wanted to create a place where the focus was on sharing skills, working with wood and progressing the art of woodturning.

“When I discussed the possibility of starting a regular workshop, the team at Resonate in Alloa said they would cover the costs of the studio space and heating, so I volunteered and got the club started.

“We are just back from our summer holidays and this week we become members of the UK wide Association of Woodturners of Great Britain, so we are steadily growing.” Cameron Watt a member of Riverwood Studios added, “Whether you want to carve, turn or practice your pyrography, then the easy going atmosphere of this club supports your wood related-interests.

“There are a selection of tools to use plus free training on how to woodturn and always a pot of coffee on the go, it’s a good environment to share.” The Team at Positive Clackmannanshire want to hear from more community-focused organisations, so we may connect and promote your work.

Please do get in touch or to find out more about Riverwood Studios email the above ‘connect’ address or telephone Wendy on 01259 928014.

Sharing activities is great for your wellbeing, so pop along to your local club today!

A friendly outcome The Team at Positive Clackmannanshire who all volunteer, with the aim of supporting and connecting organizations and groups to help grow the opportunities for individuals in our county, this month are focused on the number 19.

As we all know, the 18th of September sees Scottish people making a choice, whether yes or no… but what happens next? This seemingly simple, one side or another, in or out question has engaged the masses to talk politics and to question aspects of our society, which has increased passions across our communities.

Walking around Alloa town centre, it does not take long until you hear someone arguing their stand point and while this debate is a hugely beneficial outcome of this process, there is a minority of antagonism seeping through.

So, what is next? Come the 19th, no matter the outcome of the vote, we, as a community still need to work together and support each other, for our families our neighbours and our friends all deserve to live in a positive place.

So if you are in Alloa on the Friday morning of the 19th then please do pop in to Resonate Arts House, near Limetree House and say hello to members of the Positive Team, come share a cuppa with us and lets move our working together forward, no matter the vote.