Men’s Shedders stay connected

Men and sheds have always gone hand-in-hand — even more so since Men’s Sheds were formed. Eight years ago, The Shed Online was launched between the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Beyond Blue. The platform attracted huge participation, but closed because of a lack of funding. Now it is back to help “shedders” stay connected while housebound. As on virtually everything else in the country, the closed sign is up on every Men’s Shed due to COVID-19. “Australians are becoming more and more physically isolated amidst the current coronavirus emergency. Right now we need to find ways to maintain our social connections,” AMSA executive officer David Helmers said. “The goal of The Shed Online is to facilitate an online space where people can connect in the same way as they do at the shed — over a cuppa and a laugh.” The program is being launched globally in partnership with the Irish Men’s Shed Association and the International Men’s Shed Organisation. “We hope to create a global social community where men can talk and share their experiences,” Mr Helmers said. “And it’s not only for our members — we invite anyone with an interest in conversation to join and make meaningful connections,” Mr Helmers said. The AMSA was formed in 2007. There are more than 1000 Men’s Sheds in Australia and there are Men’s Sheds in 12 countries. Visit Men’s Shed Online to register.