“Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder.”
This is the motto of the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) – an organisation providing places
for men to meet and work on meaningful projects.
From a practical point of view, Men’s Sheds offer a central hub for men to put their skills to good use
across all kinds of DIY activities like making furniture, toys, restoring old things and designing arts and
crafts; but AMSA’s purpose runs far deeper than this.
In giving men a place and reason to come together, the introduction of Men’s Sheds has been a huge
step forward in combating the social isolation that many men experience when they are no longer in
employment. Whether they have left work due to retirement, health ailments or other personal
reasons, a large proportion of men find that their social life suffers as a result. This sometimes leads
to feelings of isolation which can result in more serious health issues such as depression, substance
abuse and even suicide.
Men’s Sheds give men a new purpose.
The hands-on nature of projects keeps the mind active, while the relaxed, inclusive environment
allows men to connect with other in a similar position. The result is a sense of camaraderie, giving
men the confidence to discuss their problems and open up to one another in a way that is proving to
significantly improve overall well-being.
But the Sheds’ benefits stretch beyond the individual member. Since its inception in 2007, its social
value has had wide-reaching impact; with
Men’s Sheds working with charities, schools and other not-for-profit organisations to deliver
products that have made a hugely positive contribution to local communities.
The AMSA is the largest men’s support organisation in Australia, with more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds and
an estimated 150,000 participants. Its success has been so great that the model is being rolled
internationally. It continues to change men’s lives for the better – one shed at a time.
