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. But it’s so much more than that. 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 the idea that men communicate more effectively when they’re “shoulder to shoulder” with other men.
As health concerns related to social isolation and depression are often unrecognized, and men can be reluctant to seek help, Men’s Sheds have a vital role to play in fostering emotional well-being and transformative, fulfilling relationships for men in their retirement years. Shed members cross age, culture, and socioeconomic status, and no two Sheds are quite alike. Some Shedders gather in a workshop to build and fix things. Others focus on hiking or gardening or cooking. Most team up with local organizations to do special projects that support their community. But what all Sheds have in common is a welcoming environment where men create shared experiences, celebrate accomplishments, and build community.