By Brandie Majeau
The Smoky Lake Men’s Shed is part of a global initiative to encourage and
enhance men’s mental health. Like most Men’s Sheds, the program started off small
with just a handful of members but has quietly been gaining engagement, momentum,
awareness, and members.
In the last 40 years, older men in Australia have been meeting in communal work
sheds to socialize, engage in handiwork, and improve their mental well-being. These
“Men’s Sheds” have since expanded to other parts of the world, including Canada,
providing men with a place to connect during retirement. Researchers at the University
of Alberta have found that this concept could offer practical mental health support for
men in rural areas. Members of Men’s Sheds in rural Alberta have reported that the
social interaction and support they receive positively impact their mental health. The
sheds have the potential to be an affordable way to provide mental health assistance in
areas where such services are limited. The voluntary nature of these spaces makes
them particularly appealing to men who may be hesitant to seek formal counseling. The
camaraderie, inclusion, and purpose that the sheds provide have benefited retired men
who may have lost some of their social support after leaving the workforce. The findings
suggest that investing in more Men’s Sheds could be a valuable initiative to address the
needs of self-reliant older men in rural communities.
The group members are lovingly dubbed Shedders and have created a saying
that sums up the unique individuality of each space: “If you’ve seen one Shed … you’ve
only seen one Shed!” The concept of Men’s Sheds is built on a diverse range of
engaging activities that cater to the interests and hobbies chosen by the members
themselves. From woodworking to gaming, cooking to metalworking, each Shed offers a
unique and exciting array of activities.
This unique community provides a platform for men not only to learn and teach
new skills but also to discover fresh opportunities and interests while forming
meaningful connections with others. Within the Men’s Shed, men are offered a safe and
supportive space to work on projects with personal significance. Members have the
freedom to work at their own pace, which, at times, is convenient for them, all while
enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members.
Additionally, Men’s Sheds play a crucial role in combatting feelings of isolation
among men. By fostering an environment where men can engage in purposeful
activities and contribute to society Men’s Sheds offer an invaluable alternative to combat
social isolation. For more information about joining the Smoky Lake Men’s Shed, contact Robert Winning at robert.winning77@gmail.com or 780-379-7999.
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