I was not going to share my project as it was undertaken in conjunction with the local men’s shed and a local TAFE. This project was implemented because a large number of us wanted to learn more about joinery. After an audit of skills amongst us we approached the local TAFE to see what could be delivered. Hence the Chair and a table, the table is currently under construction. which I will post once completed. However, after a discussion with a person younger than myself I have decided to share my experience.
“What is the men’s shed I was asked?” I was a bit surprised by the question as I thought everyone new what the Men’s Shed was about and what it does for men and men’s health.
As those who have life threatening diseases such as various forms of cancer there are few support groups for men in local areas and more so in rural areas.
For many years the Men Sheds has provided moral and physical support for men dealing with medical issues such as cancers, both physical and mental (depression) issues and so on.
The support that the sheds provide can be in the form of.
- Just to sit and discuss their issues with other men or just sit and have a discussion about anything over tea, coffee or lunch.
- The opportunity to share and pass on skills developed over their working life.
- The opportunity to learn a new skill.
- Get involved in new technologies.
- Or to take part in projects that involve local community’s such
- Community house and other community groups
- Kindergartens
- Schools
- Scouts
In the past men would finish their working life & not long after develop varying levels of health issues and within a few short years have fallen off the tree of life.
Each year we lose 2 or 3 members of the shed that succumb to illness.
The Men’s Shed is not just for “old men”, we have had young men in their 20’s with various medical / physical issue. Then again the Shed is not for everyone for whatever the reason.
“Political”
We have been accused of being a secret men’s business. I know from my own experience dealing with depression, heart and prostrate issues, without this secret men’s business I don’t know where I would be.
The Men’s Shed is not about teaching people life skills or retraining for a new job. To take a quote from the AMSA:
“The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community’s”.
“Bunnings”
When it comes to the local community there is always a need for help with projects of some form. There lies a problem; materials just don’t grow on trees. To do the projects where do the materials come from? In many case materials are recycled reclaimed and reused, but there is never enough to go around.
It’s not often I blow the trumpet of a very large company but in this case I will as Bunnings has provided help to many community groups in the form of materials at either no cost or at a highly reduced rate and BBQ’s. In a rural community I know of Bunnings and the local shed working together at field day events promoting the local shed.
I cannot speak more highly of our local Bunnings and the support they have provided us and other community groups.
If you would like to know more about the Shed’s or where you can find your local shed here is a link to The Australian Men’s Shed Association.
https://mensshed.org
