During Men’s Shed Week people were encouraged at ‘Send him down to the shed’.
The week, which ran from September 1-7, aimed to increase participation at men’s sheds across the country with a call to action to encourage men to consider joining their local shed.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, one of the biggest challenges for men’s sheds is attracting new members. The survey revealed that 58 percent of sheds require support for sustainability, while 50 percent seek help with promoting their sheds.
Whittlesea Men’s Shed president Eric Gunstone said that men’s sheds have many benefits.
“The biggest positive generally speaking is the company of like minded men, that avoids social isolation,“ he explained.
“The second biggest benefit I would say..if you’re interested in learning new skills, we can assist in that. I teach a lot of guys a lot of news skills, in woodworking in particular. Other things as well, 3D printing, CNC machines, metal working, we can assist with all of that.
“But the main thrust of it all is to avoid social isolation, because when a lot of guys retire they find themselves at a bit of a loose end and they have been busy all their lives and then all of a sudden they have nothing to do.
“Rather than sitting down in front of the TV, which can be quite depressing after a while when you are on your own, we provide a social outlet.“
Mr Gunstone said that Whittlesea Men’s Shed has over 60 members, with about 20 to 30 members attending each Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Details: mensshed.org/sheds/whittlesea-mens-shed-inc/
