Elisabeth Champion
WITH Men’s Health Week just around the corner, the Mount Gambier Men’s Shed is encouraging men to get involved for their own health.
Men’s Health Week runs from June 13 to 19, and is designed to raise awareness for preventable health problems in men, including mental health.
The theme this year is ‘Building healthy environments for men and boys’, with a focus on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings, and the Mount Gambier Men’s Shed is doing just that.
Publicity Officer Peter Heness said the Shed provided men with friendship and something to do and kept their hands busy and their minds active, and had saved at least one man from dying by suicide.
He said one member joined the group after three close calls with his mental health, but his frame of mind totally changed after joining the Shed.
“Dave came from Tasmania and was out of work, and had health problems and the black dog set in,” he said.
“He ended up at the Shed, and thankfully that is not a problem anymore, he is in a good mindset now.
“That is the power of the Shed.”
The Men’s Shed allows men to come together and work with their hands doing woodwork and metalwork, either working on their own projects or assisting with a community project.
However, Mr Heness said that not all men come and work in silence with many opting to just enjoy a cuppa and chat, while others socialise over the tools.
“You do find that the fellas in the Shed do talk – it takes a while but they do talk.”
The members give back to the community through their talents, making toys for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and assisting community groups with their projects.
The Men’s Shed is open to any men over the age of 18.
Find out more at www.mgmensshed.com.au
