What's a Men's Shed?
Simply put, a typical 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.
It's a place where men with time on their hands and too few friends meet 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.
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.
The Ottawa Makers Shed focusses on delivering community benefits via:
- Skills-based volunteering
- Providing services to charities
- Educational and fabrication support
Men don't ask for the help they need
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.
"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.
Look at these Statistics Canada Figures:
Source:
WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SUICIDE IN CANADA
THE FEDERAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
2022 PROGRESS REPORT
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2022-progress-report-federal-framework-suicide-prevention/2022-progress-report-federal-framework-suicide-prevention.pdf