The Forest Tuncurry Men’s Shed (NSW) is just one of many similar programs running across the country that aim to encourage mateship, productivity and positive mental health for local men.
The Shed encourages men to do hands-on activities together (like woodworking or craft), to increase their social engagement and happiness – and it’s having a big impact on local aged care residents.
Residents from Estia Health’s Tuncurry aged care home have been getting involved in The Men’s Shed program, and since kicking off in December last year, the number of men taking part has jumped from just three to 43.
Estia Tuncurry’s lifestyle coordinator, Aaaron Dodds, said “their mental health has gone through the roof . . . We’ve seen massive positive growth both mentally and physically . . . they feel useful again.”
Now The Men’s Shed has plans to expand activities – they want to equip their older members with social media skills so they can stay in touch with their families.
A fantastic initiative – and one we hope to see in plenty more aged care homes in the future.
