Clermont has an active, ageing and community minded population that lacks suitable support in the overall area of positive mental health (especially within our male population). Based on the well established notion that strong resilient communities are developed through connectedness and interaction, we aim to establish a Men’s Shed with an open door policy that will offer a practical and welcomi
ng environment where people can find social, emotional and physical support, directly or indirectly. Our intention is to set up a practical space, a shed, to provide a local, informal location where the men of our community can spend time engaged in manual crafts such as woodworking, metal working, gardening or the restoration of old furniture. The shed will be a place for men to be socially active, form friendships, and create new opportunities for activity and interaction in their lives. The shed will open a few days a week, and will have a designated area where men can drop in and have a cuppa and a chat. Health prevention strategies, pit stop health checks, mentoring , skill exchange and educational sessions will be delivered in a man friendly manner in a safe, non-threatening environment. Our current plan is to continue to showcase the history of Clermont by resurrecting and adapting one of the town’s historical buildings, the old Powerhouse museum into a workable space. Our members would capture the atmosphere of times gone by while developing a community asset into a practical, workable, historically respective space. To provide the people of Clermont the ownership of a scheme that benefits them personally; as a community; and as husbands, fathers, brothers and citizens. This will be achieved through the establishment of a Men’s shed, with a physical site, refurbishment of that site and initial equipment set up ready for use.
2. To resurrect a historical, community owned space that lends itself not only to industrial and practical activities but the celebration of our town’s past and its journey into the future.
3. To be a catalyst for strong community and individual resilience. Members will be empowered to look after themselves socially, intellectually, physically and mentally, with ongoing positive mental and physical health benefits, regardless of their age or life stage.
4. To establish a focal point in town for skill exchange, mentoring and educational opportunity.