MEN’S SHED WEEK TO RECOGNISE PROGRESS ON SUICIDE PREVENTION
BLOKES getting together to bash tools and shatter mental health demons will be celebrated across the Far North.
Australian Men’s Shed Association has launched the second annual Men’s Shed Week, which starts on Monday next week.
It comes as Cairns Men Shed president and “driving force” John King stood down at the annual general meeting this week after 4½ years at the helm.
Shed secretary Eric Kershaw said the concept started to reduce suicide rates.
“Blokes who have either retired or broken up with their wife – it gives them a place to go,” he said.
“It doesn’t have to be a hands-on social situation.”
Woodworking, metal working or restoring old furniture, toys and machinery are some of the tasks completed by shed members.
Men’s sheds have also opened at Edmonton, Gordonvale and Trinity Beach.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association says sheds play an important role in stopping social isolation and promoting positive health and wellbeing.
Sheds are open to all men who want to be socially active and discover new activities.
“The fact that you’re mixing with other people. At least they have somewhere to go and talk to somebody, people who want to unload and get support,” Mr Kershaw said.
AMSA executive officer David Helmers said men’s sheds fixed lives.
“The benefits of men’s sheds extend well beyond the shed – activities at the shed support local people, groups and organisations and bring people together in ways that strengthen communities,” said Mr Helmers.
“Men’s sheds aren’t just about building toys and fixing furniture. Men’s sheds are building communities and fixing lives.”
Suicide prevention charity MATES In Construction has launched a campaign to provide support to construction workers in rural and remote areas.
The charity was awarded $1m by the state government to target small business workers in rural areas.
It is six times more likely that a worker is lost to suicide than a workplace accident.
The Cairns Men’s Shed is at the scout hall on Irene St, Mooroobool.
The operating hours are 9am to 3pm on Monday to Friday. A social meeting is held at 9am every Tuesday.