What is a Men`s Shed?

Andy Phillips
Sep 3
5 min read

Updated: Sep 7

Robert Visitainer Regional development officer for Men`s Shed Cymru & United Kingdom Men`s Shed Association. (UKMSA)

Men`s Shed is not about the Shed. Neither is it about men sharing photos of sheds. It is more about the individuals who make up each individual shed. I have been a member of Pontypridd Men`s Shed for nearly 3 years.

🎙️A Safe space or Shelter:

Our ethos is to create a safe space or Shelter for men to meet up whilst enjoying creating new friendships, Learning new skills & Pass on life experiences Just like being within a Shed or Bothy. (an old english word used to signify a outdoor shelter used by landsmen or country workers). Sometimes we still refer to our shed as the Bothy.

🎙️The Men`s Shed Ethos:

Originally developed in Australia using government backed funding & resources Men`s Shed ethos has quickly spread across the world currently in the UK today There are approximately 1100 sheds. The governing bodies in the UK include, Men`s Shed Cymru, Irish Men`s Shed Association, Scotish Men`s Shed Association & United Kingdom Men`s Shed Association,

🎙️Health through Stealth approach:

Men`s Shed ethos represents a health through Stealth initiative promoting good health & wellbeing practice providing an alternative to inactivity caused by Death, Disability, Inactivity, Loneliness, Social exclusion, unemployment etc.

This is achieved by providing regular organised Creative, Practical & Social activities Events & Workshops. Helping support men to remain regular & enthusiastic participants within local society rather than existing solely on the fringes of society.

🎙️Shoulder to Shoulder:

Women have the remarkable ability to talk face to face to each other where as men can only talk Shoulder to Shoulder. This explanation dates back to the 1700`s When Men fought shoulder to shoulder on the battle field. Worked side by side in the factories & Dug shoulder to shoulder in the pits.

The saying highlights a perceived difference in male and female social interaction: women build intimacy and connection through direct, face-to-face conversations focused on emotions and feelings, while men often form friendships and share thoughts and feelings more effectively when engaged in shared, shoulder-to-shoulder activities, like working on a project or playing a sport.

🎙️Example:

If you were to put 12 men in a room together and asked them to talk openly about their health & wellbeing.

Half of them would hide under the table.
While the other half would probably jump out of the window.
However put twelve men in a room together and ask them to work together in order to fix a broken down Lawn mower.
I can guarantee you that within the hour not only would they know each others name. they would have the lawn mower stripped down, repaired & put back together. Probably working better than the original.

This "shoulder to shoulder" approach allows men to open up without direct eye contact, which can feel confrontational or like an interrogation, and it allows for more casual conversations while focusing on a common task.

🎙️Women "face-to-face" approach:

Focus on emotional connection: Friendships are often built on verbal expression of feelings and emotional intimacy.
Direct communication: Conversations are direct, with an emphasis on eye contact and understanding each other's emotions.
Intimacy and vulnerability: This directness allows for deeper sharing of personal experiences and emotions.

🎙️Men "shoulder-to-shoulder" approach:

Shared activities as a foundation: Friendships are often built through shared experiences and common goals, like fixing something or engaging in a hobby.
Indirect communication: Talking often occurs while engaged in an activity, rather than in a focused, face-to-face setting.
Comfort and ease: This indirect approach can make men feel more comfortable, as it avoids intense emotional scrutiny and mimics the dynamics of group activities or work environments.
Contextual communication: Emotions and personal issues can be discussed more naturally as a byproduct of the activity, rather than being the primary focus of the interaction.

Men`s Health & Wellbeing Day Pontypridd Museum R.C.T March 2024

🎙️What is a Men`s Shed?

A Men's Shed is a community-run space where men (and sometimes women) come together for practical, social, and supportive activities, such as woodworking, gardening, repairing items, and sharing skills and knowledge. They aim to combat loneliness and isolation, provide a renewed sense of purpose, and offer a friendly environment to connect, converse, and create.

🎙️Key aspects of a Men's Shed:

Creative Activities: Some Sheds are more creative in the activities they offer members. This works better when there is a definitive skill involved such as in creating a Podcast.
Practical Activities: Sheds often feature workshops for activities like woodworking, metalworking, gardening, and repairing household items.
Social Connection: They provide a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where members can have a cuppa, chat, and build friendships.
Skills Sharing: Members can learn new skills or share their existing ones with others, fostering a collaborative environment.
Community Focus: Sheds are community-based, volunteer-run initiatives that reduce isolation, especially among men who may find it harder to form social connections.
Health and Wellbeing: The social interaction and sense of purpose gained from participating in a Men's Shed are linked to improved mental and emotional wellbeing.
Inclusivity: While originally focused on men, many Sheds are open to women and operate on an inclusive and welcoming principle.

Purpose of a Men's Shed:

To provide a space for men to meet and engage in enjoyable, practical, and social activities.
To reduce loneliness and isolation by fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.
To offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and supporting each other.
To give a renewed sense of purpose, particularly for men who have lost their identity after retirement.

🎙️Benefits of being a part of Men`s Shed:

Men's Sheds offer benefits like reduced loneliness and isolation, improved mental and physical well-being, a sense of purpose through shared activities, and the chance to learn and share new skills. Members build friendships and a strong community network, while also contributing to their local communities through collaborative projects.

For Individuals.

Combats Loneliness and Isolation: Sheds provide a social environment where men can connect with others, make new friends, and reduce feelings of isolation, especially for older men and those going through life changes.
Improves Mental Well-being: Engagement in shared activities, creative work, and supportive conversations fosters a sense of purpose, increases self-esteem, and enhances emotional resilience.
Boosts Physical Health: Participating in activities like woodworking, gardening, or repair work promotes increased physical activity and can lead to improved mobility and a more positive, active lifestyle.
Provides a Sense of Purpose and Routine: Regular attendance gives members a structured routine and a sense of purpose, which is particularly beneficial for retirees or those experiencing a lack of structure in their lives.
Skill Development and Knowledge Sharing:

Members can learn new practical skills, share their expertise, and engage in activities that keep their minds active, such as electronics, computing, and other creative endeavors.

For Communities

Promotes Community Projects: Many Sheds undertake projects that benefit the wider community, such as creating public art, building playgrounds, or repairing local facilities.

7/. Fosters a Stronger Community Spirit: The collaborative nature of Sheds creates a strong community spirit, helping members feel connected to something larger than themselves and more valued within their community.

Supports Health and Well-being Initiatives: Sheds can act as valuable community spaces for local health and wellbeing programs, providing access to resources and signposting members to relevant organizations.