Men’s Sheds is a program that started in Australia about 20 years ago and spread quickly. Sheds now exist in several countries including more than 20 in Canada.
From the Australian Men’s Shed’s website:
“Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. 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, drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression. Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own.”
“Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mate ship. And, importantly, there is no pressure. Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.”
You can register on-line or by contacting Lola Fariyibi, Wellness Connection Centre at 403-234-6566 or lolaf@unisonalberta.com
