Focus on men's mental health
It’s no secret – men have trouble talking about their feelings. You won’t see a group of men gossiping during book club or sharing their life stories over afternoon tea.
But put a few men together in a garage or shop, with the smell of oil and sawdust heavy in the air, and you just might see a conversation or two break out.
That is the concept behind men’s sheds, which have been described as independent, friendly, inclusive and welcoming gathering places for men to socialize and work with other men on projects.
Men’s sheds started in Australia in 1996, and have grown to 1,500 worldwide. They are places where guys are always willing to lend a helping hand, participate in activities, share interests and learn/teach new skills.
And these sheds don’t only benefit men - they also create projects which benefit families and communities.
“Some sheds have a workshop for those who don’t have one or have had to give theirs up,” said Renee White, senior services co-ordinator for Family and Community Support Services. “Everybody has a skill to share.”
A shed doesn’t have to be one thing, according to White. Some sheds complete woodworking projects, some learn mechanical skills, some meet for coffee and some listen to speakers talk about topics that they choose. Sheds exist to help participants practice public speaking, refine cooking skills or simply incorporate a little bit of everything.
“The shed is based on the men’s interests that attend,” said White, who added due to COVID restrictions, some sheds have connected with other sheds overseas, via Zoom or other social media means, to share information.
It is a concept Taber’s Shawn Bethke is looking forward to seeing get off the ground in the community.
“When I first heard of this program, it sounded like something I personally have been looking for for a long time,” he said. “There is a real need for men in the community to be able to meet with and share a workplace, talking place, somewhere they can ask questions about things they may never have been taught of by others who have expertise, or just to share a common love for a game of hockey.”
A shed can be as small as an actual shed that can hold a few men and a coffee table, to as large as a warehouse. They are run by men, for men, with the support of FCSS.
“Sheds are for any men that have a little time on their hands – many are seniors, but it is open to adult men of any age, background or ability,” said White, who added sheds don’t have leaders – they have hosts, because everyone is on the same level.
Bethke added a men’s shed in Taber could provide many valuable opportunities.
“It is not easy for grown and mature men to gain handyman skills if they weren’t instructed from youth,” he said. “Being able to rely on and turn to other knowledgeable males in the community would be an excellent way for those of us who are looking for connection and skill building to find assistance and community. Sheds are a place for social connections, friendships and belonging, designed as a space to “get real” and learn from each other.
“It is a place of acceptance,” said White, who added FCSS Volunteer and Senior Services, in Connection with the Rural Mental Health Project, is looking to support a Men’s Shed startup in Taber.
“We will be holding information sessions for those interested in starting or joining a shed in Taber,” said White.
The men’s shed concept already has one local partner interested in helping out, as Bethke, who serves as manager of the Taber Public Library, mentioned his organization would like to get involved.
“This is a program that the Taber Public Library would like to partner on and support,” he said. “We will be willing to lend space, resources and assistance to get this program off the ground and thriving in the Taber area. I am very excited about this project coming to our local community.”
Those interested are asked to contact White at 587-370-8518 or Cindy Lauwen at 403-915-7063 for more information.