Shed set for modern cave

NEVER has there been a truer statement than “every man needs a shed”.
It’s a well known fact that the simple garden shed has always held pride of place in the life of the average male.
It is a place of gathering, of reflection and it’s a place where inventions are created, tested and refined.
It’s a place where stories are shared and dreams and dreamed.
For many men it’s where they can escape the hum drum of life and potter around, as all men do, with lengths of timber, jars of bolts and screws and an array of every conceivable type of tool.
Upper Yarra Community House (UYCH) general manager Maxine Burke said it is now well recognised however that a man’s shed is much more than a useful place to escape the dishes, or to gain some much needed peace and quite.
“Today’s men’s sheds are also about learning, about supporting men’s health and wellbeing; a place through which men can come together, share their knowledge and join in conversation with other men who hold similar or even very different interests and view points,” Ms Burke said.
“Importantly it is a place where men can rejoin their community through meaningful and productive activity.”
The UYCH Men’s Shed at Warburton is part of the organsation’s Community Living Programs and was initially established to support men with dementia.
Now in its second year the shed is abuzz with activity and involves men of all ages and stages of life.
“With our program leader Charles and his trusty volunteers at hand to provide support and encouragement the Men’s Shed is providing the community with a valuable resource where all men are welcomed for who they are, and for the contribution they make, at whatever level that may be,” Ms Burke said.
The UYCH Men’s Shed operates every Wednesday from the Warburton Business Incubator.
For more information phone UYCH Community Living coordinator Kath Holton on 5962 1033, or visit the UYCH website at www.uych.vic.edu.au.