By Romy Stephens
Men’s sheds across the region are preparing to pick up the tools again as Covid-19 restrictions ease over the next month.
Belgrave Men’s Shed president Dave Ashton said members are “really looking forward” to coming together again, with the shed’s doors set to open on 4 July.
He said it had been very unfortunate to put projects and gatherings on hold due to Covid-19.“We’ve been doing projects at home. We’ve been dedicating one or two people to do them at home,” Mr Ashton said.
“We’ve had to defer a lot of projects because we’ve got limited resources.
“While members have been away from the shed, they’ve missed the comradery and the socialisation with different members of the community.
“The guys are really looking forward to getting together and having conversations and having a coffee.”
Mr Ashton said the benefits of a men’s shed are invaluable to members and the community.
“Since we’ve started here in Belgrave, we’ve worked with 149 community groups in our area and that doesn’t include all of the private groups,” he said.
“When you come into the shed you have a range of like-minded people, you share stories, we actually talk about men’s health.
“We’ve had members come in who have been really introverted and they’ve greatly opened up and they said they didn’t realise how lonely they were.”
Australian Men’s Shed Association executive officer David Helmers said the announcement of men’s shed reopening came just in time to acknowledge Men’s Health Week from 15-21 June.
“As we begin to return to our shed life in Australia, we’re taking this Men’s Health Week as an opportunity to simply acknowledge and celebrate the health benefits – both physical and mental – of the sheer act of visiting the shed,” he said.
“Around the world men – particularly older men – are finding themselves much healthier and happier through involvement in Men’s Sheds.
“After a number of difficult months of social isolation, many men are returning to Men’s Sheds and celebrating.
“Of course, the day to day operations of Men’s Sheds must overcome the challenges of adhering to social distancing and hygiene measures. I know that I can speak on behalf of the almost 1200 Men’s Sheds around Australia when I say, it’s just great to be back.”
Men’s Sheds are recognised as part of the Federal Government’s National Men’s Health Strategy 2020-2030, acknowledging their role addressing the impacts of social isolation and enhancing proactive approaches to healthy ageing for Australian men.
Visit mensshed.org to find a local Men’s Shed.
