The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is celebrating Men’s Shed Week 1 – 7 September 2024 with the theme ‘Send him down to the Shed’.
All around the country Shedders are set to gather throughout the week, celebrating the camaraderie of Men’s Sheds.
From a humble idea in regional Australia, there are now more than 2,500 sheds operating in 12 countries around world. More than 50,000 Australians directly benefit from participation in the grassroots movement each year.
“We know that when men retire, it’s a big change and they are at risk of social isolation which can lead to anxiety and depression, and that can affect physical health too. It often takes someone else to recognise this and suggest they do something about it. And many of them send them down to a Men’s Shed,” says AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.
A neighbour suggested Ian Pike come along to the St. Clair and District Men’s Shed in NSW, but Ian said “I don’t know, I’m not the kind of person who cries on another’s shoulders and whinges. And he laughed and said it wasn’t like that. So I went up and had a look – and that was seven years ago… I’ve been here ever since.”
When Chris Huon retired from the entertainment industry, his daughter Nikita noticed that Chris’s world had become much smaller and having worked in such vibrant environments all his life, she was concerned. Over several conversations with her parents, Nikita encouraged Chris to get down to the local men’s shed in Melton, Victoria.
While still very healthy, Chris’ wife Yolette was aware that if anything happened to her, Chris would be on his own, and didn’t have a strong social network anymore. Yolette said “I think women are better at finding things to do when they retire. Men need more of a push! I would never have thought of sending Chris down to a shed, so I was grateful Nikita suggested it.”
“For 30 years Men’s Sheds have been improving the wellbeing and health of men, by building connections over a shared purpose,” said AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.
Men’s Shed Week (1-7 September) is an annual celebration of ‘all things shedding’ led by the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). Many sheds are holding open days during this week, welcoming members and community to celebrate all things shedding.
AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers says, “If you know someone who might like to learn some new skills and meet some new mates, send him down to the shed!”
Find your local shed at www.mensshed.org.
