Australian government announces grants to support new and established Men’s "Sheds"

A new shed will do them good. Link to media release here. Excerpt:

'Older and disadvantaged men in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia will soon have more help to meet and find social support with Australian Government Grants for Men’s Sheds.

New sheds will be established in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales with another 16 established Men’s Sheds around the country to receive a grant to assist them to develop and upgrade their workspaces and buy equipment and tools or to employ staff help manage a shed’s operation (see table attached).

Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said Men’s Sheds play an important role by providing meeting places for men to stay connected within the community, while helping their physical and mental wellbeing.

“Based on the traditional backyard shed, Men’s Sheds provide a relaxed place for men to meet and continue a hobby, learn new skills, or just pop in for a chat and a cuppa,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Isolation, loneliness and depression are major health issues for many Australian men, which is compounded by the male culture of not talking about feelings or emotions and not taking as active an interest in their own health and wellbeing as they should.

“Men’s Sheds can play a significant role in reducing these problems by connecting men with each other and their communities without pressure. Most sheds also undertake community work, so there’s an opportunity for men to be involved in something meaningful and make a positive contribution to the community.”'