Off the back of Father’s Day, the Australian Men’s Shed Association is celebrating the contributions of Men’s Sheds to local communities for Men’s Shed Week (September 4 to 10).
From a humble idea in regional Australia, there are now more than 2500 Men’s Sheds operating in 12 countries around world. More than 50,000 Australians directly benefit from participation in the grassroots movement.
“Men’s Sheds are an Australian invention that is now an international phenomenon enhancing — even saving — the lives of many men, and building better communities,” AMSA Chairman Paul Sladdin said.
A Men’s Shed is a dedicated, welcoming shared place where people (typically older men) come together — regardless of their background or ability — to share knowledge, learn new skills and develop old ones, and have a bit of fun.
At the shed, men have the opportunity to find friendship, a sense of purpose and a place to belong and contribute. Many men live fuller, healthier and happier lives through their involvement with their shed — but it doesn’t stop there.
Through local partnerships and community collaborations, Men’s Sheds create stronger local communities.
Shedders devote much of their time to worthwhile community endeavours, delivering great benefits for the wider community through major projects, donating arts and crafts, participating in community events, and actively promoting men’s health and wellbeing.
“Men’s Sheds foster community spirit, cultivate social connectedness and contribute to building a more inclusive Australia,” Mr Sladdin said.
There are more than 1200 Men’s Sheds around Australia and over 2500 around the world. A truly global village, doing local good in communities from Bairnsdale (Australia) to Balbriggan (Ireland), and everywhere in between.
Find your local Men’s Shed at mensshed.org
Men’s Shed Week is proudly supported by AMSA’s major partner, Fair Dinkum Builds.
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