By Bonny Burrows
A men’s social support group recently celebrated five years of friendship, support and giving back.
The Bunurong Men’s Shed Pakenham’s fifth birthday bash, held on 29 October, was a celebration of what the club had achieved over the past five years and a look at the exciting activities planned for the future.
Members, their families, residents and Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen all joined in on the festivities, which included a delicious lunch.
Speaking to the Gazette, the men’s shed’s president Les Jacobs highlighted just some of the community projects the group had been involved in.
However, he said it was the changes to members’ health that he was particularly proud of.
“Two guys have said they no longer feel suicidal,” Mr Jacobs said.
“That’s no small feat.”
Men’s health has been a focal point of the group since its establishment at Meadowvale Retirement Village in 2012.
The shed prides itself on the ability to discuss and promote health and wellbeing without “shoving it down members’ throats”.
Mr Jacob said men of retirement age were particularly susceptible to feelings of isolation and depression.
A man’s work was his life, he said.
“When a man retires he’s lost all his workmates and he’s often alone.
“Suddenly when that work gets taken away from men they don’t know what to do,” Mr Jacob said.
Mr Jacob said the informal setting of the shed, which included comfortable spaces for chats and a work area, meant men didn’t feel pressured to open up, it just came naturally.
“When men get working together they start talking,” Mr Jacobs said.
“They tend to talk more here than with their wives at home.”
Along with discussion on mental health, the shed has its own resident welfare officer and offers regular health checks.
“We’re more than just fixing furniture,” Mr Jacobs said.
“We’re very much focused on men’s health, looking after one another.”
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said men’s sheds such as Bunurong’s were “fantastic” for men and men’s health.
“But not only for men, but the wider community as well,” councillor Owen said.
He said the region had seen an increase in such group in recent times, due to its unique and effective model.
“Men’s sheds offer friendship and support to some of the shire’s most vulnerable residents. A safe place for men to come interact and talk,” Cr Owen said.
“The shire has seen an increase in men’s sheds in the last five years and I congratulate the Bunurong Men’s Shed on all it has achieved.”
