The Men’s Sheds Experience
Author: Men’s Sheds Edmonton
Full disclosure, Living Hope provided funding to the Men’s Sheds Association of Edmonton to create greater awareness of Men’s Sheds in the Edmonton region, to attract more men to existing Sheds and to encourage men to start more Men’s Sheds.
Let’s go back to the beginning. What is a Men’s Shed, What happens in a Men’s Shed, Who goes to Men’s Sheds and what is the impact of a Men’s Shed experience?
Originating in Australia, Men’s Sheds is an international grassroots men’s-health movement grounded in the spirit of camaraderie and the power of connection. A Men’s Shed is a relaxed and inclusive place, for men with time on their hands, to share stories and form friendships. A place to do that thing you have always wanted to do—or do nothing at all. Forget itineraries and agendas. A men’s shed is whatever its members want it to be.
Lots of things happen in Sheds! Enjoy healthy activities such as woodworking, gardening, cooking, community building or playing cards. Share advice and ideas or hang out and have coffee.
"I was using too much alcohol, and it was contributing to my medical problems. A counsellor at SAGE said I would benefit from being around people more and suggested I visit the men's shed. I don't think guys know what to do with themselves when they get lonely. We start to lose trust in each other and even ourselves. When we get to the shed, we have a chance to be open and do things for each other, and that's a good thing. It helped me out." (Richard)
Social connections lead to better health. As social beings, we need community and connection to thrive. Sometimes, as we get older, we begin to lose our social connections because of normal circumstances like retirement or simply living in a more digital world. Men’s Sheds helps to enhance the well-being of all men by encouraging social inclusion. Grounded in the spirit of camaraderie, the movement benefits society at large by creating a positive ripple effect throughout our communities.
“Health by Stealth. With men, a good way to reduce loneliness and social isolation is to invite them into space where they can "connect, converse and create" and the healthy conversation simply evolves. A Men's Shed does all this.” (Michael)
To find out more about Men’s Sheds Edmonton visit http://mensshedsyeg.ca/