Graduation success for veteran Eamonn

Veteran Eamonn Walsh (56), from High Valleyfield in Dunfermline, was celebrating after recently graduating from Fife College

Eamonn, who spent 32 years in the army after joining up at 17, graduated with HNC Working in Communities at the ceremony held at St Bryce Kirk in Kirkcaldy recently.

Eamonn’s further education journey started when he went to his local community centre in Dunfermline, to learn computing with the College’s Outreach Team.

Despite some challenges along the way, Eamonn has now achieved his HNC and since gone on to Dundee University, joining the second year of a BA Community Education degree.

He has already started a placement as part of his degree at University, developing a Men’s Shed in Methil to help improve the mental health of men in the area.

Eamonn said: “I couldn’t have achieved what I have without all the support I have had. I never had the mind-set to do a HNC and go on to University when I started but it’s been a nice journey. I’ve been able just to take it one year at a time which has really helped me stay focused.

“I’ve started the Men’s Shed group in Methil to help local men connect with each other. With pubs, clubs and other spaces closing I thought it would be a good to have a place for guys to meet and be social.”

The Scottish Men’s Shed Association was launched in November 2015 with the aim of helping new and existing groups to set up and run a Men’s Shed in their local town or community. The association a give support to those looking for assistance or more information on how to develop and run a Men’s Shed.