The Men’s Shed is an important sanctuary for men of all ages and walks of life in Kerry. However, COVID-19 has hit the sector hard with a national appeal for financial support now underway. to CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Barry Sheridan.
THE Men’s Shed movement is an important part of life, and nowhere more so than in Kerry, where 15 sheds attract men of all ages and social backgrounds.
Where there’s a Men’s Shed, there’s usually an amalgamation of social bonding, conversation and creative ideas to be found.
But COVID-19 has had a serious impact, resulting in a nationwide appeal for donations by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA). This money is to help sheds meet basic costs as they look to re-open on July 20 as part of phase four of the Government roadmap.
Barry Sheridan is CEO of IMSA, and he explains that asking sheds to close back in March at the outset of COVID-19 lock-down was at odds with the principle that led to Men’s Sheds being founded – to prevent social isolation.
“It was probably one of the toughest things we’ve ever had to advise sheds to do,” Barry says. “They offer such a positive lifeline to so many men around the country, that’s not an exaggeration. To ask them not to meet, and to take away this from them was really difficult.”
IMSA recently conducted a survey of Men’s Shed in Ireland to gauge the financial impact of COVID-19. Over 80 per cent of sheds suffered a financial hit to the tune of around €1,000 (up to the end of May).
Barry says when sheds are closed, they can’t generate income through fund-raisers or by making products and selling them. The sheds are completely self-financed, with all money going towards meeting insurance and rent costs.
“This is what led us to launch the ‘ Save our Sheds’ campaign, both locally and nationally, as we felt they are too important to let go. By raising finance, it will help sheds get back open again by covering basic running costs,” Barry adds.
Anyone who feels the Men’s Shed movement isn’t worth supporting financially is totally unaware of the social dividend it creates.
“I think people know their worth in the community and they’d like to see them back opened, people value them. The sheds are not for profit, and any money raised is simply to keep the door open and lights on. This is what we’re trying to help them with as they look to open again,” Barry explains.
IMSA’s number-one priority at the moment is ensuring members are safe and abiding by the public-health advice. COVID-19 safety signage, hand sanitizer and face masks will need to be purchased in the coming weeks, while re-opening sheds is also going to involve a major transition for members.
“The members have been fantastic and very enthusiastic about getting the guidelines and abiding by them. The safety of our members is a priority at the moment, and we will work with them and support them through this, coupled with raising funds which will help them in some small way,” Barry says.
While it’s fair to say the lockdown has put a dent in the plans of Men’s Sheds for the time being, it didn’t prevent members from keeping in contact.
Barry says that once the shutdown was announced, plans were put in place to ensure ‘no one was left alone’, with everything from WhatsApp to phone calls and video calls being utilised.
“There are some brilliant examples around the country of sheds doing virtual talent contests, art classes, and physical fitness classes. There is some really good stuff going on – it’s a credit to their spirit and resilience,” Barry says.
A majority of Men’s Sheds in Kerry rely solely on the goodwill of local landlords and businesses for support. They appreciate the importance of having a Men’s Shed in the community.
A case in point is Kerry where, every autumn, shed members from across the island converge on Killarney National Park to help control the spread of rhododendron – a project of huge benefit to the Park’s longterm biodiversity strategy
“Kerry’s rich with sheds that are making a difference. The rhododendron project is one of the highlights of the year for members; the warmth and welcome they receive in Killarney is great. It captures everything we’re about, but it wouldn’t happen without the local support we get from the Chamber and Killarney National Park.”
In looking to the future, Barry makes the salient point that Men’s Sheds are going to be needed more than ever in a post-COVID environment to help offset likely job losses and social isolation among men.
At the height of the last economic recession, Men’s Sheds played a key role. Sadly, a similar situation looks to be on the horizon.
“Unfortunately it looks like we’re going to be in a similarposition. We’re going to need programmes and support structures like the Men’s Sheds more than ever,” Barry explains.
“Not only are we very conscious