Understanding the Men’s Shed Movement in Australia

Harvest video

The purpose behind the Men’s Shed Movement 

The main aim behind the movement is to combat the issues that many Australian men (especially older men) have with loneliness.

Helping to fight loneliness is important because the issue can lead to mental health problems as well as contributing to other health concerns such as:

• Obesity.
• Cardiovascular health and heart issues.
• Diabetes.
• Neurodegenerative diseases.
• Respiratory illnesses.
• Headaches. 

The government provides some support in areas such as mental health. However, the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA), which spearheads the movement, helps men in a more hands-on way.

AMSA was founded in 2007 when several different community-based Men’s Sheds came together. The association is funded by the Federal Department of Health. It supports more than 1,200 sheds in their aim to improve the health and well-being of all members. 

The idea is to provide a place where men gather to take part in a shared activity. This helps the men to create friendships and gives them an opportunity to open up and talk about their lives and any problems they may have. 

Talking in this way helps men in Australia to escape loneliness. This in turn helps to reduce the occurrence of other illnesses. Right now, more than 125,000 members get these benefits from using organisations across the country. 

What happens at a Men’s Shed?

There is no defined list of what activities can take place in Men’s Sheds in Australia. However, activities should have value and should be legal. 

Many member organisations concentrate on community activities, such as making furniture for community centres or less privileged people within the community. 

They often also provide health and well-being advice to members and teach valuable skills such as first aid and car maintenance. 

Above all, the aim of any Men’s Shed is to provide a place where men can find friendship. They can gather with others and get the social interaction that they need. 

Men’s Sheds are not for profit organisations. However, there may be a small cost associated with joining, to cover insurance requirements.  

AMSA provides a list of Men’s Sheds, so that men across Australia can find a local project to join. They can then contact the project to find out how to join and if there are any costs. 

The Men’s Shed movement continues to grow in popularity in Australia, and internationally. This can only be a good thing when it comes to the fight against loneliness and improving men’s health and overall well-being.