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The Significance of Men’s Sheds – A Place to Belong

Since the first community shed for men opened its doors in 1993, the Men’s Shed community has grown to encompass more than 2,500 Sheds in 12 countries.

Today 1,297 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds benefit from membership of the Australian Men’s Shed Association. A figure that surpasses even the number of McDonald’s restaurants around the country.

Men’s Shed Week has been in full force this week. It is an annual celebration of these vibrant spaces,

Over the past decade we have seen a resurgence of the Men’s Shed in retirement village. This has been driven by the needs of our residents to continue to feel useful – and more importantly an increased awareness in benefits to a person’s mental fitness.

In essence, Men’s Sheds offer “somewhere to go, something to do, and mates that make it all worthwhile.”

This is why we wanted to shed light on their resurgence and role they play in retirement villages. Yes, the pun was intended.

Men’s Sheds are far more than mere workshops; they are vital community investments that foster camaraderie, promote well-being, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive society.

For many Australian men, their local Men’s Shed provides a haven, a purpose, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. It offers a place to gather, tinker, create, and build lasting friendships. It is where stories are shared over a cuppa, and meaningful connections are formed.

Embracing Men’s Sheds in retirement villages can enhance the quality of life for your residents, foster a sense of purpose, and create vibrant and thriving communities.

The beauty of these spaces lies in their diversity.

Each shed tailors its activities to the interests and skills of its members. No two are the same. Some focus on woodworking, while others delve into metalwork, gardening, or even art. What remains consistent is the profound value they bring to local communities.

So, as Men’s Shed Week comes to an end, don’t let that discourage you from recognising the part they play in your community. The resurgence of Men’s Sheds in retirement villages is something to celebrate. It keeps purpose in the lives of residents, and encourages activity, engagement, creativity, and a bit of fun.

Would you live in your Village?

Have you ever asked yourself whether you would live in your Village?

It is an interesting question. One we should give some thought to as professionals. It helps us to avoid complacency.

As a manager, it’s possible to become complacent and overlook obvious signs. It is a question I would often ask myself. With spring just around the corner now is the perfect time to make sure you are putting your best foot forward. So ask yourself, what would need to change to make you want to live in your Village?

The heart of any Village is its sense of community. Our complacency can lead to overlooking the need for diverse and engaging calendar of activities. A lack of fresh ideas can result in a stagnant calendar, making the community feel dull and uninspiring. Importantly, this can lead to a disengaged resident population.

During my time as a Village Manager, I’d always push myself to look outside the box for some fun activities you would enjoy, such as turning your craft group into a paint and sip afternoon.

Asking yourself the question of whether you’d live in your community keeps you fresh as a manager, making you more likely to walk around with your eyes wide open, especially to the asset management component of or role. Is the Village looking tired, gradual wear and tear on buildings can creep up on you. It’s essential to maintain a critical eye and address maintenance needs promptly. Empathise with the current and future customer. You wouldn’t want to move into an unloved village.

Another way to keep yourself fresh is to visit another village. Through our Professional Development Day series we provide Managers with a great opportunity to build a peer network. An investment in your time, with immediate benefits, can be to reach out to your network and see what they are offering and how they operate. Peer-to-peer learning through an established professional network is a powerful tool we must take advantage of as managers to ensure our villages remain inviting.

The importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between upholding a high standard of living and avoiding managerial complacency is a fine line. While the community’s appealing features and amenities contribute to its allure, it’s vital to remain proactive in addressing gradual issues that could compromise residents’ overall quality of life.

If you wouldn’t move into your Village why would I?