Members of Men’s Sheds come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time.  The Forest Lake Men’s Shed has a Committee that has developed a safe and happy environment where local men are welcome to work on community projects, specific Men’s Shed projects or a project of their choice, in their own time.  The only ‘must’ is to observe safe working practices and Rules of the Shed…. all in the spirit of mate-ship.

Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. Unlike women, most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. Probably because of this, many men end to drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression. Relationship breakdowns, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own.

Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mate-ship.   And, importantly, there is no pressure.  Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.

The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and well being and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community.