From : Senate Select Committee on Men’s Health
Australian Mens Shed Association: Submission
PO Box 775, Newcastle
The idea of a men’s shed is relatively recent with the longest established sheds having been in existence for around 15 years. In 2007 there were an estimated 192 Sheds nation wide whilst there are approximately 352 sheds operational or under development in 2009. The concept of men sharing camaraderie in a comfortable environment with a common theme has been around for much longer. However, the Shed concept is a broader approach to an old idea. There’s nothing new about men gathering together in their own space to talk, share skills, swap ideas, solve problems or just discuss life in general – it’s been happening since the beginning of time. There’s nothing new either about men spending time in their backyard shed – an acknowledged Aussie pastime and almost a basic requirement for domestic existance. What is new is that men, particularly retired/unemployed men, are combining these two activities in a communal space simply called a “Men’s Shed”. What is also new is how strongly men have embraced this new identity – being a member of a Men’s Shed is likened to belonging to an exclusive club. Men’s Sheds as such, are no longer looked upon as an Australian phenomenon, In the last 12 months AMSA has assisted in the establishment of Mens Sheds in New Zealand Ireland and England. In the past decade a wide range of Community-based Men’s Sheds has sprung up – each with its own unique identity and purpose.
ctivities within Sheds are many and various, from mentoring young people to woodwork, metal work, small motors, restoration of old cars, boatbuilding, portable Sheds taken to Alzheimer facilities or mobile Sheds for remote country areas. The membership is similarly diverse. Men from all backgrounds, ethnic and social mixes can enjoy a Men’s Shed bringing their unique cultural characteristics to enliven the activities.. The common theme in all Sheds is about men retaining self esteem, feeling useful, contributing again to their communities and having a meaningful purpose in life.. Learning or sharing skills, making friends, networking and availing themselves of health support information programmes and opportunities is a commonality gained within the Shed environment. In the 2007 Shed Survey conducted by Centacare Newcastle the question was asked “What are the main operations/activities of your facility?” 77.4% answered Men’s Health and companionship rather than the prompted answer the question sought being activities like woodwork metal work etc. Communities are keen to provide activity, identity and meaning for vast numbers of older, unemployed, job-redundant, ‘downsized’, isolated, depressed and happily retired, active, creative, enthusiastic men. Men’s Sheds are fast being recognised as vital, viable places to fulfil these needs and provide relaxed, happy creative and safe spaces for men to enjoy on a regular basis. At the Manly National conference, the concept of forming the Australian Men’s Shed Association was put forward with a view to assessing concept support and to promote the draft terms of reference, eg the aim of freely sharing information and assistance to sheds and communities wishing to start a shed and maintaining viability.
This sharing of information has reduced the amount of time and money spent that was once required to establish a shed, by eliminating the need to reinvent the wheel each time. Sheds that have been established for over 5 years took 2-3 years to establish, whereas those sheds that have evolved in the past 2 years have Senate Select Committee on Men’s Health Australian Mens Shed Association: Submission PO Box 775, Newcastle NSW, 2300 only generally taken 2-6 months to establish. This has been one of the most immediate and cost effective impacts AMSA has had upon the Shedding community. Currently the Association is formalising partnerships with other specific men’s health organisations to broaden the availability of sheds as a preventative health measure. Men in sheds have a very determined view that stems from their own experience “if a little more was spent on sheds, sheds would save the government that amount ten fold in health services”. While the accuracy of this statement is arguable, the point is acknowledged and supported in a variety of articles addressing the need to increase men’s’ health issues and the related cost to the taxpayer. “Men in sheds” The lives of men, who are generally happier, healthier and achieve a more fulfilling life, have involvement in some form of meaningful activity. This can range from fulfilment within their ability to work, provide support and raise a family through to their social activities. What happens though when a part of these primal requirements ceases to exist? Ages for members of the shed range broadly from as young as 7-9 years (involved in mentoring programs) through to elderly aged care residents aged 100 plus, and include both Male and Female participants.
The target group or the classic “Shedder” is aged between 45-65 and is recently retired or unemployed. This is also the highest risk areas of men suffering from physiological health issues and at the highest risk of suicide. The average shed in accordance to the 2007 Centacare Survey contained approximately 27.3 Male Members, 2.5 Female Members and 6.2 Youths participating in shed mentoring programs. These numbers seem to have risen dramatically since the 2007 survey. Some of the surveyed sheds who had 35-40 members in 2007 are now reporting 100-120 members regularly attending the shed. Men in sheds are referred to as “Members” of their shed rather than volunteers and although both terms are relevant, most sheds are independent incorporated bodies or are subcommittees of an incorporated organisation under State Legislation, therefore adding relevance to the term “Member”. But most sheds work predominantly for the benefit of their communities. Most shedders see themselves as having a strong sense of belonging and ownership of their shed making them a “Member” but they devote most of their time to worthwhile community projects which then categorises them as “Volunteers”. Services provided by some sheds are recognised by Centrelink as an approved volunteering activity and provide a form of income to offset costs. “The Young Shedder” Youth mentoring programs are popular activities within men’s sheds and often with the mentor and the mentored both experiencing positive benefits from the programs. Mentoring programs can range from informal arrangements between individuals through to complex arrangements with third party youth welfare organisations.
Quite often arrangements for mentoring programs are between local high schools and technical education providers. Senate Select Committee on Men’s Health Australian Mens Shed Association: Submission PO Box 775, Newcastle NSW, 2300 Mentoring program content can be very diverse as many sheds have developed very successful programs by providing mentoring to High Risk or socially disadvantaged Youth. Such programs provide career skills learning but more importantly “life skills” awareness. Youth mentoring in a shed environment is supported by males who themselves have real life experience and have a “been there – done that” base of knowledge to draw upon. Youth participants quickly establish a respect for their mentors and have been known to form close bonds with their new positive male role models. Other more formal programs are utilised to provide mentoring support to youth pursuing a trade vocation wishing to gain valuable hands on experience from mentors who have a lifetime of knowledge to pass on. Men taking part in Mentoring programs in sheds also are provided with a sense of worth within the community, Mentoring is not just seen as an opportunity to tell younger folk how life was, it is an appreciation of their experience and skills and an opportunity to provide meaningful assistance to a new generation. This again highlights the ability of a shed facility to provide meaningful purpose through active participation to members. “The Retired Shedder” In the sporting word money and research has been dedicated to preparing our elite sportsman for life after their sporting careers have ended. This preparation assists them to lead a meaningful life after sport, reducing their tendency to have their lives affected by substance abuse, gambling and other such afflictions, but what about the common man? What about life after their working career?