What's a Men's Shed?

Simply put, a Men’s Shed is a group of men who get together in their community to develop new skills, discover new interests, and make new friends. But it’s so much more than that. For many men, aging and retirement can lead to loneliness and a loss of purpose; and that’s where Men’s Sheds come in. Symbolic of that backyard workshop where men share stories and tinker with woodworking or electronics, a Men’s Shed is grounded in the idea that men communicate more effectively when they’re “shoulder to shoulder” with other men.

A Men's Shed provides a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects, which gives a sense of purpose. Men work at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.

It's a place where you learn or teach new skills and find new opportunities and interests while making new friends.

It's a place where men with time on their hands and too few friends meet to socialize, to work on rewarding projects, and to engage in enjoyable physical and cultural activities at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.

At a Men's Shed some men learn, some teach, and some are happy to watch.

A Shed offers men an alternate way to reach out to avoid 'isolation' while giving back to society.

As health concerns related to social isolation and depression are often unrecognized, and men can be reluctant to seek help, Men’s Sheds have a vital role to play in fostering emotional well-being and transformative, fulfilling relationships for men in their retirement years.

Shed members cross age, culture, and socioeconomic status, and no two Sheds are quite alike. Some Shedders gather in a workshop to build and fix things. Others focus on hiking or gardening or cooking. Most collaborate with local organizations to do special projects supporting their community. But what all Sheds have in common is a welcoming environment where men create shared experiences, celebrate accomplishments, and build community. 

Men don't ask for the help they need
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Retired men were brought up in an era where they were expected to remain stoic and look after those around them. They didn't ask for directions then, and they don't ask for help now, to their great detriment.

As their circle of friends diminishes, the social isolation and loneliness they experience can have a tangible impact on their overall health and well-being. Social isolation is linked with; increased death, dementia, depression, and the risk of elder abuse.

We aim to fix that for the few who join our self-help community.

"Let's stop accepting that men lead shorter lives and actively support those working to create healthy space for men – particularly as they age. Men shouldn't have to die quicker."
Shannon Sampert, associate professor at the University of Winnipeg.

You don't believe we need special programs where men will actually show up?
Look at these Statistics Canada Figures:

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It's actually 4 to 6 times higher in the retired Men's Shed age groups.
Men don't ask for the help they need.
Men can be fooled into accepting Stealth Help.
The Men’s Shed movement is the “Social Health Care Innovation” men need.
© 2025 Kevin Ford

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