What do we do

Identifying Men’s Needs

The men shed initiative has clearly opened doors for very substantial outcomes in both men's health and wellbeing and improving economic activity in communities. The following checklist outlines some the many needs and wants of men of all ages.

Identifying Men's Needs and Wants:

· A space for men

· A daytime meeting place for men (Not the pubs)

· Need to have feelings of belonging.· Social interaction, which is too hard without support.· Reduced social isolation better addressing men's health issues.· Creation of jobs and business opportunities.· Improving lifestyles lead to improved quality of life.· More attention and focus is needed on men's health and well being issues.· Improving self-esteem with youth, unemployed, disabled and older men.· Support for youth and their aspirations and motivation.· Helping young men to become self sufficient and prosper.· Developing self-worth through personal effort and community contribution.· Participating in community service and community projects.· Intergenerational mentoring.· Growing through mentoring, motivation and innovation.

· Helping men with their businesses, or to start a new business.

· Promoting of a good work ethic.

· Learning about culture and life skills

· Respect for older people and their knowledge.

· Recognising, regenerating, celebrating and passing on craftsmanship.

· Sharing knowledge and skills.

· Improving men’s ability to pass on knowledge and experience.

· Life long learning and skills development, including social and life skills.

· Helping men to realise their potential.

· Men need to develop their hobbies and other interests.

· Giving men their lives back and building better communities.

· Or simply having someone to talk to.

A men's shed can go a long way to assisting men to cope with the three big health issues of isolation, loneliness and depression.

A men's shed is an ideal venue for input and involvement of Community Health Service Teams.