Simply put, a Men’s Shed is a group of men who get together in their community to develop new skills, discover new interests, and make new friends. For many men, aging and retirement can lead to loneliness and a loss of purpose; and that’s where Men’s Sheds come in. Symbolic of that backyard workshop where men share stories and tinker with woodworking or electronics, a Men’s Shed is grounded in th
e idea that men communicate more effectively when they’re “shoulder to shoulder” with other men. What does the Ukee Men’s Shed do? The Men’s Shed in Ukee aims to collaborate with the community to enhance the quality of life for all its members and the area in general. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organisation that generates revenue through the direct sale of goods produced within the shed, services provided by the shed and its members, and membership fees. Any profits generated will be reinvested directly into the shed for the benefit of the community. Why does Ucluelet need a Men’s Shed? By adding a Men’s Shed, our community would join an international movement with over 3000 sheds globally, including 70 in BC alone. This initiative started in Australia 40 years ago and has since spread worldwide. Each shed operates independently based on local needs, aiming to improve the quality of life for older men. This, in turn, benefits their families by enhancing home and community life, self-esteem, and physical and mental well-being. Published reports show these improvements reduce burdens on loved ones and the healthcare system. The "shedding" community refers to this as "health by stealth." If you or someone you know may benefit from being a shedder, or if you just want to find out some more information about us, please feel free to reach out.
“men’s sheds are not places where men are looked after, they are places looked after by men”