Australian culture doesn’t encourage men to talk about feelings and emotions, or to take an interest in their own health and well-being. Unlike women, men are often reluctant to talk about their emotions and to ask for help. “Probably because of this many men are less healthy than women, they drink more, take more risks and they suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression. Relationship b
reakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men find hard to deal with on their own. Good health is based on factors such as feeling good about yourself, being productive, being connected in your community and maintaining an active body and mind. Membership of a Men’s Shed “gives a man that safe and busy environment where he can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship. And, importantly, there is no pressure. Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.”
Just as all sheds are different, so are the members. They come from all walks of life, have different interests, skills and personalities. What they have in common and what unites them is that they have time on their hands and the wish to do something meaningful.
“Mosman Men’s Shed has developed a safe and happy environment where people are welcome and where the only ‘must’ is to observe safe working practices and respect individuals within our cohort." Come and see for yourself.
