Guest Speaker Report
by
Rotarian Peter Douglas
Wednesday 4 February 2009
Our guest speaker was Peter Sergeant from ‘MENSHEDS’. Peter was introduced by Paul White.
Peter
informed us that there are around 150 .Men’s sheds across Australia and New Zealand with limited expansion to the United Kingdom. The project has been described as the best concept in men’s health since the initial opening 5 years ago. The idea is to balance health, culture and lifestyle with economic outcomes.
There are various types of sheds but the basic concept is to provide a place for men to meet, have fun and do practical things. It is a place to learn about culture and life skills, to pass on craftsmanship , to create jobs and business opportunities and to give men their lives back in their respective communities. There is a wide range of activities carried out within sheds including woodwork, metalwork. art and computing. Men’s sheds are open to men of all ages. It is not about groups of grumpy old men nor is it a place for secret men’s business.
Peter spoke of a particular men’s shed which is recycling bicycles.
‘Mensheds’ is a registered health charity and is a not for profit corporation. The management structure provides a website, help desk, resource centre and technology infrastructure.
Men’s sheds have regard to the health and wellbeing of its members by creating activity with physical, mental, social and spiritual outcomes. There is a strong community involvement and the sheds help address the needs of isolation and loneliness. They are a bridge to good health.
Peter informed us that there is men’s shed in Strathfield and President Grahame indicated his keenness to make contact with this group.
A further development is mobile men’s sheds providing mobile services to country communities.
Also a flying men’s shed in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service providing services to remote country areas.
After a series of questions Peter was thanked by PP Bert Houston.