09/29/2025
What is a ‘Men’s Shed’?
Originally founded in Australia in the 1990s, the grass roots Men’s Sheds movement has expanded to more than 15 countries around the world. It began to take root here in Canada in the early 2000s and has grown steadily since. Canada currently has four provincial Shed associations and over 140 Sheds operating across ten provinces, with potential for exponential growth in the coming years.
For a long time research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and well-being. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.
Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, less older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. Men’s Sheds can help deal with all of that.
Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and once in a while engaging in a presentation on Men’s Mental Health issues or Tax stuff or how to spot fraud when you are engaging with a third party. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent.
Downsizing to smaller living conditions often means giving up the shop space. Personally, I’ve always found the shop to be my personal retreat and when I stayed home for a period of time a few years ago I realized how much I needed a place to go once in a while. Having a separate place to go and get lost in my projects for the day has been a life saver. We see the Men’s Shed as doing a bit of that for us in Summerland. Provide a place to go and share ideas, work on a project or two or just sit and listen to others or engage in lively conversations– all valid activities.
There are no membership fees, although we encourage a $30 membership in our host The Summerland Community Centre Association. There’s no real hierarchy, no president or officers and we are not vying for non-profit or charity status. Our membership make-up has a world of talent that comes and goes as they please. We also understand that many of the fellows have other responsibilities and can’t make it every week but it’s nice to see them when they find time.
Finally – the Summerland Men’s Shed wasn’t formed to be the only answer to Men’s Mental Health issues. On the contrary, it can be seen as only a small part of the puzzle compared to all the other great programs out there. But this is where we might have a bit of an edge in that men don’t usually get up in the morning and proclaim they are going to “start looking after their mental health today”. But take a few guys and get them working on a project together and watch where the conversations go. This is what we try to do, mix it up a bit but still get the messaging across.
If you are or know someone who might benefit from what the Men’s shed is offering, please take one of the cards or have them drop by 9710 Brown St any Tuesday or Thursday at 4. Feel free to call the contact number any time to discuss the Shed.
We are happy to entertain requests for assistance with some tasks and build projects. We would ask that you consider the local trades first and if that isn't viable then give us a call!
Some photos of previous projects........
