The Men’s Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become a valued and productive member of our community.

Not all Men’s Sheds are the same – if you looked inside, you might see a number of men making furniture, perhaps restoring bicycles for a local school, fixing lawn mowers or making a cubby house for Camp Quality to raffle. You might also see a few young men working with the older men obtaining new skills and learning something new from the other men. You might see local elders making traditional weapons or designing arts and crafts. You will see tea-bags, coffee cups and a comfortable area where men can sit and talk. You might also see an area where men can learn to cook for themselves or how to contact their families by computer.

So, what is so special about the ‘Men’s Shed’? Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t need to talk about feelings and emotions. This can affect their health and well-being and they usually don’t ask for help or open up about how they are feeling. Often because of this, many men take more risks and suffer more from isolation, depression and physical or mental illness. This can be difficult to deal with on their own.

Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of mateship.
You can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.
Call: 1300 550 009 Australian Men’s Shed Association to find your local Men’s Shed.