2014 Conference, “Beyond Tools”
What Makes A Men’s Shed Program Work?
The Men’s Shed Phenomenon Probably the most significant program to improve male wellbeing in the last 50 years.
Sheds are “Grassroots” organisations Sometimes conflicting with government ideas on how things should be done. (a healthy place to be)
Evolution from Establishment to Mature Sustainability. Simular to our individual lifecycle.
To remain relevant sheds must continue to evolve, or risk slipping into this state.
Having a Shed to Go To ? A Modern Version of a MANCAVE
Key Drivers/Components Working on common goals or projects. The challenge of the building project. Run out of jobs at home! Wanting to get away from the list at home! Need to have Male companionship.
Key Drivers/Components Replacement for an old work environment. Need somewhere to get help with a job Just bored with retirement Getting ideas for your own projects Every other towns got one so it must be good.
Which of these is possibly driving the shed you represent? Time to think? About 5% do!
Maybe any of these BUT is it really the glue? The Key to any successful shed is always Mateship and Companionship
Age is not the problem
Sometimes TOO many Words and we fail to hear!
Sometimes NO words and we get the message!
Approx 70% of Australian Men Work in or from a Shed in their Working Life.
Industries in Sheds Warehouses Transport Depots Manufacturing Food Processing Fabrication Workshops Airport Hangers Timber Mills Mineral Processors Distribution Centre Vehicle repairers Farmers Animal Feed Lots Baggage Handlers
Sheds Are comfortable, safe MEN friendly, familiar, places for most men.(70%)
Hospitals and Doctors surgeries are for most men seen as uncomfortable, dangerous, often MEN unfriendly, Unfamiliar Places.
A place to deliver wellbeing awareness messages where Men feel safe, in their shed! (also in language they understand) (don’t allow the “illness” talk overtake the purpose of the shed!)
MALE (Warriors) Wellbeing Males tend to be social isolates when it comes to the big issues Personal health and safety Spiritual fulfillment Accepting advice from others Mentoring our young men Sheds often bridge this problem
Summation of Men’s Shed Objectives! A comfortable place for Most men. All sheds are about “the wellbeing and health of men” Activities of each shed vary (like work sheds) All have mentoring programs Not all have sheds to meet in. (It is the men that are important not the shed)
Summary Points Largest male focussed group in the country. Largest community development group in the country.
AMSA – AUSTRALIAN MEN’S SHED ASSOCIATION (WAMSA)
Who and What is AMHF?
A group of passionate organisations and individuals committed to having discussion on including “SOCIAL DETERMINANTS” included in health discussions Social Determinants play a critical role in the health outcomes for most people
Why Do we Need AMHF? About 95% of the health budget goes on “Accident and Disease treatment.” Improving Social Determinants reduces treatment needs.
Why do you need AMHF? AMHF supports good treatment systems but wants a broader approach to health care for all persons. We focus on men because of the poorer statistics for men.
What Can Men’s Sheds Do to Support AMHF? AMHF is self funding member based organisation. Sheds or individuals can become members.
What Can Men’s Sheds Do to Support AMHF? Sheds are about altering “Social Determinants.” (we have the same goals)
It is worth remembering... “a problem shared is mostly a problem halved”
“Talk to a Mate” Our Partners/wives Parents Close friends (peers) Mentor friend (older person) Doctor Grandparents Priest/Minister “Before it all gets too much”
It is now my pleasure to declare this conference open!. “Thank you for the privilege