Men’s Sheds

Men’s sheds are offering men the opportunity to meet others, work on practical projects and contribute to their community.

Men’s sheds are being founded in disused sheds and community centres in neighbourhoods across Australia. They provide a place for men – especially those who have retired or are unemployed – to socialise, use their skills (such as woodwork and gardening), learn new skills and mentor each other and younger members of the community.

Men’s sheds aim to address the issues of isolation, loneliness and depression which are faced by many men when they cease full-time employment or are looking for work by providing them with a space, tools and support. Many men’s sheds participate in community projects, such as restoring or making furniture for community organisations, converting bicycles into wheelchairs for donation to third world countries and reparing toys for local toy libraries.

Along with providing opportunities for social interaction and activities, men’s sheds also focus on men’s health and wellbeing, encouraging and assisting users to gain access to relevant services and information available to them within the community.

Join the discussion on Men’s Sheds on communitybuilders.nsw forum

Related links:

The Men's Sheds Australia website has details of the many sheds in Australia including most of the NSW sheds.  It also has details on their first conference held in 2005 at Lakes Entrance and their second conference which the Lane Cove Shed and UnitingCare are hosting in September 2007.  Conference details can be found on the events calendar.

The Lane Cove Community Men’s Shed website has background information on the shed, which was established in 1997, and contact details for a number of other men’s sheds in New South Wales. There is also a free ‘Starters Kit’ for those who are interested in establishing a shed in their area.  Follow this link to the Lane Cove Community Men’s Shed website

The Grenfell's Shed was conceived in 1987 and is an independant shed.  It is not a member of nor associated with Mensheds Australia.  Follow these links to an ABC Rural article about Grenfell Men's shed and it's assistance during the drought and an ABC Western Plains story on the Grenfell Men's Shed (both open in new windows). The Grenfell Shed has a myspace account at www.myspace.com/thegrenfellshed

Mensheds Pty Limited offers a wide range of training, resources and advice for its members. Their website contains information and resources about men’s sheds and how to establish one, including a number of audiovisual presentations.