Megan Udinski, FISM News
A new initiative to combat loneliness among men is spreading across the world.
Unlike the popular, self-isolating “she shed,” Men’s Shed associations have been expanding globally to build community.
The Men’s Shed motto is, “Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder.” The idea is that men gather together and partake in activities like woodworking, gardening, or any other common interest allowing them to discuss difficult topics such as emotional and health challenges.
Philip Jackson, age 67, launched a Barnsley UK chapter when he realized he no longer had the community where he had grown up and that there must be many other men who felt the same way. He explains, “It’s like the shed at the bottom of your garden, but all your friends are there. It’s a break from people’s weekly routines. It gets them out and talking to similar people.”
The Men’s Shed initiative has gained traction in Australia as a mental health outpatient outlet. Collectively, 153 chapters in Australia are set to receive $500,000 from the Ministry for Health and Aged Care.
In the United States there are currently 17 Sheds with one in Hawaii. One of the U.S. members, Mike Jenn, commented, “We have this kind of male pride thing. ‘I can look after myself. I don’t need to talk to anyone,’ and it’s a complete fallacy. Not communicating helps to kill us.”
“Shedders” range in age from 22 to 87 with the idea that men of all ages can feel isolated and in need of community.
While the idea was originally built on the love of woodworking, Jackson clarified, “It’s not really a woodworking shop. It’s a community enterprise where people with problems can come and discuss them with friends.”
The first Men’s Shed was established in 1993 in Goolwa, South Australia. What began as a community-building movement in Australia now reaches 12 countries and has over 50,000 members.
On the U.S. page, seven benefits of the Men’s Shed are listed, including making use of your talents, having a purpose, increasing support and self-esteem, and having fun. A common theme on all Men’s Shed pages is community within the shed and giving back to the community through the skills the members have and are utilizing.
Some Men’s Sheds choose to include female membership and choose to be called “Community Sheds” instead. The decision to include women is up to each individual sect.
More information on Men’s Shed is available in the following YouTube video: