News & Updates

BACKGROUND TO MEN’S SHEDS

In earlier times, before the reduction in block sizes, the trend toward high density housing and the hectic, stress-filled pace of modern life, many homes boasted a reasonable size and fairly well-equipped shed.  Such sheds afforded a retreat where men could engage in productive hobbies and activities to keep them alert, mentally stimulated and physically active. Often the backyard shed provided a focal point and an informal meeting place to pass on skills and ideas and interact with mates and perhaps one’s own offspring. In smaller, closely-knit communities, men often got together at the local bushfire brigade shed, footy shed, at a mate’s workshop, or some similar location where they could relax and chat in an informal and non-threatening environment.

Unfortunately, modern living has meant the loss of opportunities for such interaction and productive activity. Fast-paced, high density living, the trend toward early retirement (whether voluntary or through poor health or redundancy) and a rapidly aging population (there are approximately 1000 over 55’s in Kendenup[i]) have resulted in a vacuum in the lives of many men and women.

Unlike women, most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help.  Probably because of this many men are less healthy than women, they drink more, take more risks and they suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression.

Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, and physical or mental illness, are just some of the problems that men find it hard to deal with on their own.

Who among us doesn’t like to feel useful, needed and know that our lives matter?

It is a well-known fact that men tend to identify with their career. Whether they enjoyed that career or not is irrelevant, the transition from the workplace to retirement can be difficult and many men cannot envisage the impact retirement will have on their lives.

For too many men, leaving the workforce creates a gigantic and frightening black hole. Trying to fill that void by fishing, playing bowls, bridge, golf or some other pastime is often a poor substitute for a productive and committed working life. The partners and families of men who have left the workforce can suffer too.  Suddenly, the “old bloke” is around the house all the time.  This can lead to what is often called “underfoot syndrome” placing enormous pressure on relationships.

Younger men of employable age who find themselves out of work also need a place to go.  They need a place where they can learn new skills, perhaps boost a battered self-esteem and tap into the wise and sympathetic advice of those who in all probability have already trod their path.

Most men value fatherhood and grand fatherhood and their effectiveness in these roles is often enhanced by participating in the busy friendly environment of a men’s shed which can also meet men’s needs in so many other respects. 

Men’s Sheds promote good health and enhance general wellbeing by encouraging men:

• To advance their knowledge on a wide range of health issues through regular presentations by a diverse range of qualified health professionals,
• to be good role models for those whom they love,
• to be productive
• to become valuable members of their communities,
• to connect to friends,
• And maintain an active body and an active mind. 

The success and relevance of men’s sheds as health promotion organisations has been aptly demonstrated by the phenomenal growth in the men’s shed movement throughout Australia.  There are now approximately 1,300 sheds representing a membership of over 100,000 men making it the country’s premier men’s support organisation.

SOME DISTURBING FINDINGS ON MEN’S HEALTH

Associate Professor Barry Golding, (School of Education, University of Ballarat) has been a very vocal advocate and supporter of the men’s shed concept, addressing groups and conferences around the world on the subject of men’s health and wellbeing. The following information is summarized from his keynote address to the Western Australian first Men’s Shed Conference (3^rd September 2009):   (Speech notes attached.)

• On average men die earlier than women.
• Older men experience a wide range of potentially fatal conditions that are less likely to be diagnosed or treated.
• Men are often subject to undiagnosed depression and have a greater potential for suicide. In fact, of the 2,000 suicides annually in Australia men make up 78 percent!
• Men tend not to have access to the appropriate and necessary male-friendly health and welfare services that they so desperately need.
• One third of adult men are not in paid employment.
• Half of all Australians in poor health are out of the labour force.
• Lower level vocational education and training has been found to be ineffective in returning most people to work.
• Men are missing (or excluded) from much adult and community education.
• Men need a third place – other than work and home – to socialise, feel at home with other men and share their knowledge and skills.

In summary, there is considerable room for improvement in relation to men’s health, wellbeing and employment.