What's a Men's Shed?
The name “Men’s Sheds” comes from the idea that a backyard shed is a space where men often go to work on projects. and escape life stresses.
A Men's Shed provides: "Somewhere to go. Something to do. Someone to talk to."
It's Men Helping Men
A Men's Shed provides a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects. Men work at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.
It's a place where you can learn or teach new skills and find new opportunities and interests while making new friends.
A Shed offers men an alternate way to reach out to avoid 'isolation' while giving back to society.
Men's Shed Ottawa Centre website addresses two question:
A Men's Shed is a community-based, not-for-profit, non-commercial organization accessible to all men.
The core values of the Men’s Shed movement are equality and inclusion regardless of age, religion, cultural background, ability, sexual orientation, income, or employment status.
We require that attendees treat each other with respect, tolerance and understanding.
Nine Benefits of a
Men's Shed
What takes place at a Men's Shed?
It's a place where men with time on their hands and too few friends meet to socialize, to work on rewarding projects, and to engage in enjoyable physical and cultural activities at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.
At a Men's Shed some men learn, some teach, and some are happy to watch.
Some sheds will focus on a single activity, and others may have many. Activities, projects and goals may change in time, but doing things usually remains the focus that draws guys together.
Here is a partial list of activities that your Shed might include:
• Drop-in – socialize with coffee/tea.
• Bikes and bike repair.
• Woodworking, Metalworking.
• Auto and small engine repair.
• Cooking.
• Gardening.
• Mentoring and skill-sharing.
• Walking or hiking.
• Activism and community involvement.
• Volunteering.
• Music – listening and playing.
• Culture-specific events/activities.
• Workshops with guests.
• Watch topic-specific videos followed by discussion.
• Computers/technology workshops.
• Home repair.
• Health-related discussions and guest speakers
or anything you want it to be. It's about getting out of the house, hanging with other guys, teaching, learning, growing and having fun.