From the 12th to the 18th of June it’s Men’s Health Week. Every year it begins the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. The main focus of the week is to:
- Heighten the awareness of preventable health problems for men of all ages
- Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities
- Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in men
What better way to do all the above than with the Men’s Shed?
What are Men’s Sheds?
Men’s Sheds are dotted all around the country and are a great place to pursue practical interests at your own leisure. Gather with the local lads to practice skills and revisit hobbies such as:
- Woodworking
- Metalworking
- Repair & restore of electronics
- Gardening
- Playing cards
- Learn more about computers
- Chat over a cuppa
They offer the opportunity for men of all ages to work together, make new friends and of course, have some craic. Since COVID-19, many have had to face isolation and lack of contact with their communities, especially older men. These Shed’s not only provide a great chance to practice existing skills and learn new ones, but also to talk, laugh and support each other.
What do you do in a Men’s Shed?
”We get a lot of work from people in the area. Small jobs that people can’t get done anywhere else, such as furniture repairs. We do the job for them and we receive a donation and that goes towards covering the costs of the shed, such as rent and insurance.’‘ – Mick Clancy, Edenderry, Offaly Men’s Shed
”During the winter months we play card games a number of nights in the week and could have a total of 24 members attending on any given night. We hold keep fit classes twice a week. Cookery classes are also held twice a year. We have also had very successful art classes and computer courses.” – Dermot Foley, Cahirciveen, Kerry Men’s Shed
Near the West of Ireland, a Men’s Shed came to the rescue of local Lady organising an important annual charity event only to discover the night before, that the builder hired was suddenly unavailable. After contacting the local Men’s Shed there where 6 able bodied men on site in an hour (aged between 55-75). Arriving with tools and materials in hand, to expertly and efficiently save the day. Their demanded rewards? A cup of tea and a plate of homemade scones.
There really is something for every one!
Can anyone join a Men’s Shed?
The Shed aims to support older men ages 50+ who may have experienced life changing events such as redundancy, bereavement and mental or physical health. Of course, Men’s Sheds all over the country are open to both men and boys of all ages.
It’s a great chance to get to know the local lads, share skills, experiences, stories and advice with men of all ages.
Now, that the country is opening up again, Men’s Sheds are back in full swing. It might be a great idea to pop in next week with Dad in advance of Father’s Day to join in on any projects.
How can you join a Men’s Shed?
If you or Dad is looking to join or pop in to the local Men’s Shed in your area, all you need to do is:
- Head to the Men’s Shed Website
- Click on Shed Finder
- Search in your local area to find a Shed near you
- Contact the lads & pop on in, even if it’s for a cuppa and chat, you don’t have to commit. They will simply be happy to see you.
Still looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift this year?
Why not surprise Dad with his new power-tool of the kitchen. The Uccello Kettle holds 1.5 litres of water which is 6 cups of tea or coffee. There’s no heavy lifting involved as the Uccello Kettle tilts-to-pour. And, with our new Muggi Cup Holder, he can bring tea for the lads in the Shed too. The Muggi is a light weight and sturdy cup holder which can carry up to 4 manly cuppas.
Feel free to learn more here.
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