Shed heads

Men’s Sheds are providing a haven for Irish men who want to work on projects at their own pace, writes Margaret Carragher.

SINCE time immemorial, the humble shed has provided mankind with a refuge. Here in a parallel universe of “stuff,” men can lose themselves in anything from wood-turning to furniture restoration, from macramé to model railway-making — in short, whatever it is that floats their boat.

But not every man has access to a shed, much less to the sort of spontaneous camaraderie generated by a group of men coming together with a common purpose.

Indeed, it is the feelgood factor inherent in its ranks that has, in less than a decade, propelled the Men’s Sheds movement from rural Australia to the global entity it is today.

Originally established as a forum where men in isolated communities could come together to swap ideas and share skills, it soon became obvious that the benefits of such interaction extended far beyond the tangible fruits of the men’s’ labour.

Turning wood, or French polishing a table, or rebuilding an old engine was all very well, but doing it in the company of enthusiastic, like-minded individuals, with a bit of banter thrown in, and pot of coffee forever in the background, was something else entirely.

David Helmers of the Australian Men’s Sheds Association says, “Older males are particularly vulnerable to social isolation as they often live alone, are no longer in the workforce and may not have access to transport.”

But while Australia was the first to come up with the Men’s Sheds concept, it was here in Ireland that its inherent health benefits were first publicly recognised in the Irish Government’s Men’s Health Policy of 2009. Now the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has spread nationwide, with branches up and running in 19 counties and plans to establish more.

Describing itself as a “community based, non-commercial organisation open to all men where the primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where men can gather and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other men,” the IMSA’s primary objective is to advance the health and well being of its participants.

So is it succeeding? Absolutely, say the participants of the Louth Community Men’s Shed in Seatown, Dundalk.

Officially opened last month by RTÉ sports commentator Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh, its project coordinator, Eva Beirne, explains that while the primary focus is on older men, younger men can play an important role too.

“At a time when many men are finding their role in society changed due to the economic climate, The shed can provide them with a place where they can get together. Life changes, such as retirement or the death of a spouse or partner, can also leave men at risk of isolation.”

For retired sales rep Matt Keating, 77, The Shed has been a welcome haven since the death of his wife earlier this year. “I was married for 52 years,” he says, “and while I’m lucky enough to have my family around, coming here to the shed is a wonderful diversion.”

A great believer in staying active, since joining the shed, Matt has been busy fundraising for the project and organising social activities for fellow members. He’s also a dab hand at brewing up a cuppa.

“There’s no shortage of things to do around here,” he laughs. “But that’s the way I like it.”

Noel Gormley, 72 joined the shed to pursue his long-time interest in wood turning. A retired publican, he sees similarities between the pub and the shed.

“Both act as a meeting place for people who might otherwise feel isolated,” he says. “And the shed has the added benefit of helping people to improve their skills or to learn new ones.”

For former archivist Sean McGuinness, 61, the shed provides a forum for renewing old friendships, sharing his interest in genealogy and computers, and discussing health issues.

Having spent most of his working life in Dublin, Sean returned to his home town following a stroke two years ago. Though his mobility is restricted, he goes to the shed most days and, following the recent acquisition of two computers, is looking forward to teaching interested fellow shedders the basics.

Although interested in DIY, retired delivery man Owen Hanratty, 65, regards the shed first and foremost as a social outlet.

“I don’t mind sharing my skills, but I’m not here to work. Women have their coffee morning and exercise classes, men have their shed. It’s a terrific place.”

For retired vet David Lowndes, 80, the shed provides an opportunity to learn skills he didn’t have time for during his career.

“I was too busy for hobbies, but I always liked the idea of woodwork,” says David, adding that the carpentry equipment in the shed is second to none. Its “open door” policy is, he says, an added bonus.

Though wheelchair-bound following the amputation of a leg some years ago, former construction foreman Peter Grant, 64, keeps busy as treasurer of his local branch of Arthritis Ireland; chairman of Louth Network PWDI; and secretary of Dundalk Amateur Radio Society and Dundalk Irish Wheelchair Association. Since joining Men’s Sheds, Peter has renewed his interest in woodwork.

Meanwhile, former mechanic and maintenance foreman Tom Kerr, 84, divides his time between the transport museum at Dundalk railway station and the shed, where he shares skills acquired over a lifetime with Great Northern Railways

Paraphrasing his “great hero” President John F Kennedy, Tom quips, “It’s not about what the shed can do for you, it’s about what you can do for the shed.”

* The Louth Men’s Sheds project is being promoted by the Netwell Centre at DKIT and Louth County Council with funding from the International Fund for Ireland. The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI)

Men’s Sheds Association’s Ethos

1. We believe strongly in the dignity, uniqueness and equality of every human being.

2. We wish to promote the development of men in a society where many men fail to reach their potential.

3. The Irish Men’s Shed Association will work towards a future where all men have the opportunity to improve and maintain their health and well-being by participating in a community Men’s Shed.

4. We are impressed with the vision and work of the Australian Men’s Sheds Association. We want to learn from them and adapt their vision and methods to our Irish situation.

5. We believe each group of men should be encouraged and supported to realise their own potential and to take responsibility and ownership for their own project and its possibilities. As far as possible each group should retain its own autonomy.

6. We see the passing on of skills, traditional and new as a key aspect of the work. Each man should see himself as teacher and a learner in their group. Different men will possess varying degrees of skills professional and practical which will encourage the community learning possibilities. Each man will bring his own particular individuality, skills and limitations to the group and should be fully respected and acknowledged. There should be a clear anti-bullying policy.

7. There will be an emphasis on informal learning. An atmosphere of ‘doing stuff together’, having fun, creating a buzz should prevail.

8. We see groups emerging in urban and rural settings. We are very conscious of respecting the place a particular group of men come from, its uniqueness and possibilities.

9. We are not affiliated to any political or religious grouping, and are non-profit.

Our Aim: To promote and support the development of Community Men’s Sheds in Ireland.