Sheds a shelter from darkness of isolation

July 24, 2014, 4 a.m.

MENS Sheds mean more than a few old blokes building furniture or fixing pushbikes they also rescue people from depression and health issues.

MENS Sheds mean more than a few old blokes building furniture or fixing pushbikes they also rescue people from depression and health issues.

Brothers in arms (from left) Geoff Barker, from the Port Fairy Mens Shed, Crossley Mens Sheds Michael Lane and Ken Unwin, from the Simpson Mens Shed, ahead of the Mens Shed forum. 140723RG07 Picture: ROB GUNSTONE

Since being formed in Victoria 15 years ago as a way of giving older men something to occupy their spare time it has spread across Australia and overseas. It now encompasses unemployed young people and women seeking help after the loss of partners.

Representatives of south-west Victorian groups were in Warrnambool yesterday for a regional forum where Victorian Mens Shed Association executive officer Ric Blackburn was the keynote speaker.

We have a saying that men communicate best shoulder to shoulder, Mr Blackburn told The Standard.

They can feel safe about talking about whats going on in their lives.

There have been men who have intervened in suicide and others who sought help for health issues and early intervention for cancer.

Growth of Mens Sheds has been extraordinary. We dont tell members what to do, they decide for themselves.

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Sheds a shelter from darkness of isolation