The Men's Shed

The Men’s Shed Project Woodwork and Upholstery course will contribute to the need for community participation and meaningful activities of men who experience disabilities and older, retired men living in Sydney's inner west:

Providing accredited training in woodwork and upholstery, and social activities for retired men, veterans and persons having a mental illness, many of whom have been assessed as having high support needs.
Offering opportunities for high needs men having a mental illness to integrate into a mainstream educational / social program.
Addressing the health issues of retired men, war veterans and residents of licensed residential centres through forums, the distribution of current health information and low key access to health professionals in an informal and supportive men’s environment. The rising incidence of endogenous depression and the effects of isolation and loneliness among elderly in the community are contributing to an increasing risk of suicide for this population.
Providing relevant, practical and meaningful activities for many senior men who are no longer employed. High self satisfaction and self esteem are outcomes of these activities, which also produce much needed items for the community.
Developing naturally forming mentoring relationships, mateship and friendship.
Provide social, recreational and meaningful employment training opportunities for high needs clients having a mental illness.