Better health and closer connections through Men’s Sheds
Australian men have long enjoyed their sheds – and the Men’s Shed program aims to continue that tradition by supporting communal spaces where men can talk with old friends or make new ones; gain and use their practical skills and knowledge to make or fix things, or simply enjoy themselves.
The Sheds provide a place for men to contribute to their community through volunteering, mentoring and other activities. The Sheds are also an avenue for men to access health information and advice in a way that is not confronting.
In Victoria, there are more than 80 Men’s Sheds. The Sheds are used by men of all ages and nationalities. They are especially popular with retired men. Participation in Men’s Sheds has been shown to have enormous benefits for men including:
Men’s Sheds are an important part of the Government’s long-term social action plan, A Fairer Victoria. The program strongly represents the heart of the action plan, which is to encourage social inclusion and participation in community life for everyone, with the aim of creating stronger, more resilient communities.
Every Men’s Shed needs a space in which activities can take place. The Victorian Government’s Men’s Shed project provides funding for ‘sheds’ to be created by renovating existing buildings or constructing completely new places.
The Men’s Shed Grants programs has so far committed $4 million to develop Men's Sheds in Victoria, including $2 million allocated in the 2009 Budget.
To find out more about the Men’s Shed grants, visit Grants@DPCD, or contact a regional team member.
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