Any Abers In A Men's Shed ?

[Canary42]

A Men's Shed has recently opened locally. According to the local freebie newspaper, there has been an 89% decrease in depression after joining a UK Shed group, a 24-fold reduction in members having a feeling of loneliness, and a 75% reduction in members' anxiety levels (I've no idea how they calculate these stats).

According to their website (link below) they are (my italics) "... community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun."

Are there any Abers who have personal experience of a Men's Shed which they would like to share ?

https://menssheds.org.uk

[Mamyalynne]

We could have fully equipped Yurts Tilly.

[237SJ]

@20:18 - the WI?

[gness]

The only one I know of is fantastic. There are so many organasations I could join for company....knit and natter....stitch and bytch to name just two.
Men don't have so many. Retirement.....being widowed can find men quite alone and maybe lonely. Men don't often make a circle of friends in the way women do.
Men's Sheds have given many men company.... something to look forward to....new friends....and sharing....meeting folk who aren't narrow minded.
Odd isn't it to see something good like this being knocked on AB........and perhaps a reason why Men's Sheds are needed?

[237SJ]

Do men go to whist drives anymore these days? My Dad loved those (I`m not sure the rest of the participants did as he did tend to win most of the prizes)

[nailit]

//Odd isn't it to see something good like this being knocked on AB........and perhaps a reason why Men's Sheds are needed?//

Best answer right there ^^ Canary!

[wolf63]

Is it not just a way of getting men together in a situation where they will talk about their worries. If they are doing some hobby or other they will feel relaxed.

Women talk about their feelings and their physical and mental health much more readily than men.

Not being able to cope is not a sign of weakness.

[gness]

Indeed it's not a sign of weakness, Wolf.....the first I heard of Men's Sheds was a chap who had looked after his wife after her stroke. He cared for her for a number of years....gave up going to his bowls clubs and odd nights for a pint with other men. Just spent his time caring for her and their home.
When she died he was lost....he felt his whole purpose for living was no more.
A Men's Shed set up in the village and he went along.....
It's given me back my life......is how he describes it.

[Theland]

If you feel like knocking it, don't.

[ducksie]

Men's Shed's is not just for old men sitting and drinking tea, it's gives retired men a purpose, when they feel at a crossroads in their lives, it gives them a new lease of life, some have great skills they can teach each other what they know, work together, for some men who don't 'talk' about how they feel, in the middle of maybe, painting a bench or whatever it is they are working on, one could open up about something that bothers them, they don;t have to be lonely either, they can just go to get out of the house (usually the wife has her own routine in the home and the newly retired hubby is in the way or at least feels that) and instead of going down the pub or sitting online all day - I think it's a great thing and seeing a lot of posts on here lately, I think there a good few guys here could do with going. Join a Men's Shed or at least go to one and see what they do, it is not literally in a shed, It's not sexist, gay or anything sinister, a positive movement, the one in our town sell wonderful garden ornaments they made, picnic benches and even join the local tidy towns group and clear the rubbish from around the rivers etc., I can't see anything negative about them at all. My neighbour goes, he loves it and they often have experts in giving talks on men's health etc., stroke, cancers, heart care and learning to cook.

[Theland]

Just simple human contact, whatever the catalyst that brings it about is beyond price.

[gness]

Excellent post, Ducksie.....that sounds just like the one in our village......so many chaps get so much out of Men's Sheds....x

[tonyav]

We have a shed ( a bit different to the one in the link though ) fairly close to where I live, woman are welcome to !
https://www.facebook.com/aldridgeshed/

[ducksie]

Thanks gness, if it's like the one in your village, then it is working right, they are great and give so much more back to the community, they are brilliant

[gness]

Ours gives so much back too, Ducksie....and if any of those who have given silly answers to Canary's question cares to look at the link Tony put up they'll perhaps have a rethink.
Tony....that is one fantastic Men's She'd!

[tonyav]

Yep, good idea isn't it gness.

[ducksie]

yeah gness, you should get a job in publicity, men's she'd ;)

[Maydup]

I saw a play which involved members of the Mens Shed. They were terrific. There seems to be something for everyone fron acting if you feel like giving that a go, to traditional shed type activities like woodwork and gardening.

No doubt, like most things, the available activities, the enjoyment and the atmosphere will depend entirely on the people who go along.

Give it a go Canary and report back will ya?

[woofgang]

I have seen it round here, for many men who work in a local big company, for the whole of their working lives, work is their life and their social support. They retire and all that ends....Their wives (assuming that the marriage has lasted, many don't) have created their own social network throughout the marriage and the men are left with nothing.

[gness]

Men's She'd???? Oh dear.... :-(

Some great answers, Canary.....hope you give it a go and let us know how you get on....x

[marval]

I think they are a good idea, there is one about a mile from me.