Orientation

Men who are widowed, retired, or separated find few places to join other men in serene, happy, and inclusive settings. We observe women encouraging their men to join organizations in expectation the activities will benefit their men, their home life, and their community.

Garages and basements may not be amenable to inviting several friends over to share in projects and socialize. A Men’s Shed fills this need.

Men’s Shed members set the agenda and pace of projects. The activities can be as varied as the group, but it usually works better if more than two members are active in a project to enhance the camaraderie and impetus for the project. Morning and afternoon coffee/tea breaks (with cookies) is a staple in our Shed and common in most Sheds.

While we do not emphasize Men’s health issues, we recognize our approach usually helps men adapt to life’s variables as they adapt to life’s experiences. The oft observed coffee parties in fast food outlets illustrate the demand for Men’s socializing opportunities. Men’s Sheds enhance the range of activities men can adopt to help them adapt and grow in various stages of life.

There are differences between the way men and women interact socially, many of them subconscious. We see the Men’s Shed as a healthy avenue for masculine interaction. Anecdotal evidence supports Men’s Sheds help men cope with the isolation and depression that often comes with retirement, unemployment, or loss of a life partner or friends.