The second annual Men’s Shed Week, themed doing local good, will be celebrated from Monday, September 25 to Sunday, October 1 to showcase the work of Men’s Sheds in contributing to local communities.

“Men’s Sheds aren’t just about building toys and fixing furniture; Men’s Sheds are building communities and fixing lives,” Australian Men’s Shed Association executive officer David Helmers said at the launch.

“The benefits of Men’s Sheds extend well beyond the shed – activities at the shed support local people, groups and organisations and bring people together in ways that strengthen communities.”

At the shed, men have the opportunity to find friendship, a sense of purpose and a place to belong and contribute. Many men live fuller and happier lives through their involvement with their shed — but it doesn’t stop there.

Shedders devote most of their time to worthwhile community endeavours. Delivering great benefits for the wider community through major projects, donating arts and crafts, participating in community events, and actively promoting men’s health and wellbeing.

“The Australian Men’s Shed Association has been at the forefront of Men’s Shed innovations for a decade, and in that time we have seen the Men’s Sheds flourish across the world,” said Mr Helmers.

The strength of the Men’s Shed concept is in its simplicity and adaptability to members’ and community needs.

“The foundation of a good shed is the great effort of a community to make it happen,” said Bipartisan Friendship Group of Men’s Sheds chair the Hon Mark Coulton MP when he officially opened Men’s Shed Week.

 “When it comes down to it, Men’s Sheds have become a vital investment because every community benefits when there’s a Men’s Shed in town,” said Mr Helmers.

Visit mensshed.org to learn more about Men’s Shed Week and find your local shed.