Description
Men’s Sheds originated in Australia out of the recognition of the need for innovative strategies to address the mental health and social wellbeing of older men. Men’s Sheds are community-based organizations that provide a friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects, alleviate loneliness, find a sense of community and purpose, and talk about their problems. In the Men’s Sheds movement, the adage “Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder” is often expressed.
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In Canada, the Men’s Sheds movement is growing and there are over 120 sheds. Men’s Sheds Canada (MSC) is a not-for-profit voluntary association of Men's Sheds from across Canada, where the power resides in the local shed. MSC supports the mental health and wellbeing of older men through education, advocacy, purposeful engagement and community service initiatives involving Men’s Sheds.
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Environmental scans have identified the lack of research or government policy relating specifically to older men’s health and wellbeing in Canada. Countries such as Australia, Scotland and Ireland have well-developed policies for men, recognizing Sheds as social wellbeing investments. Research is needed in Canada to validate the health needs of older men, the effectiveness of Sheds in meeting some of those needs, and the development of government policy to support men’s mental health and wellbeing.
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This workshop will begin with presentations about Men’s Sheds in Canada, how sheds can support the mental health and wellbeing of older men, and current Canadian research on sheds and knowledge gaps. Participants will then have the opportunity to comment on the direction of MSC’s research strategy and to offer their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for older men’s health and wellbeing research.