A turn for the better — Headford Men's Shed is forging new friendships

[gallery] â€ËœMEN don't talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder' is the unofficial motto of the Men's Shed movement which has the aim of providing opportunities for men with time on their hands to engage in productive activities and forge links and friendships with others in similar circumstances. A prime example of this is a woodturning â€ËœShed' held in John Kelly's studio in Ballybackagh between Glencorrib and Shrule, by the Headford Men's Shed. The course had been deemed an outstanding success by all involved. The Headford Men's Shed was established under the umbrella of the Solas Family Resource Centre which offers an ever expanding range of services, from rural transport to meals on wheels, citizens' advice to a befriending service for older people, and much more. Solas Co-ordinator John Middleton told The Herald that there is now a growing network of Men's Sheds around the country and links are being forged between them with a view to establishing an national organisation. John says the woodturning â€ËœShed', which is funded by Galway Rural Development, is a prime example of what the Men's Shed concept is all about. 'It's been found that men don't like to talk in groups. Groups are fine for women. Men just don't talk face to face but they'll talk shoulder to shoulder. That's the thinking behind the Men's Sheds, get men engaged in an activity that absorbs them and they are more likely to engage in conversation on matters that may be troubling them,' John says. He explains that men are notoriously bad at discussing personal matters with other men. Traditionally, issues such as stress, relationship problems, depression were almost taboo subjects but while they are working alongside each other on a project and get to know each other, these topics can be raised in a neutral, non-judgemental environment. 'Women talk things out while men bottle thing up. It's as simple as that. Men's Sheds have been successful not only in providing an outlet and an interest for men with time on their hands but also as a release for those with issues on their minds.' The woodturning shed has been a great success and Solas hope to build on this and host further programmes. While the woodturning fits into the image most would have of a group of men getting together to learn new skills, working with their hands, John emphasises that activities can take place anywhere suitable. In the near future the Headford group will be hosting a digital photography course. The tutor is a local professional who will take participants through the basics of using a digital camera. It will then be up to the group to decide whether they want to progress further after the course is completed. The group has also had a one-day course in gardening with a tutor from McGaugh's Garden Center. This was designed to encourage men with time on their hands to get involved in gardening and growing some of their own food and was a great success. One positive spin-off from the Shed is that men form new friendships and are now meeting each other outside the courses. It has also proved very beneficial for men who don't have strong family links in the area. They find it facilitates them in building up a network of contacts which those with families and roots locally might take for granted. John says that for many men in their 40s and 50s their job had been their main social outlet. It was not just work, men discussed issues such as sport together in the workplace and had contact each day. Unemployment creates a vacuum in their lives. The Men's Shed is as much a healthy social outlet as one for engaging in enjoyable and useful activities. He adds that those involved in the woodturning shed got a great buzz out of it, a feeling of achievement which participants could be proud of. Indeed, John himself joined in and proudly shows off a small bowl he turned. The Solas centre hope to continue and expand their Men's Shed activities. They are anxious to get the message out that they have a open door policy and all men are welcome. John emphasises that in the current environment, isolation and depression are issues which can impact greatly on men with too much time on their hands. He hopes the Men's Shed can not only provide a socially enjoyable forum for men but also serve to attract in individuals whose health and well being would benefit from regular contact with others. The Men's Shed concept is expanding internationally because it's a proven way of meeting an obvious need in a setting which is comfortable and suitable for men. Solas in Headford hope to continue and expand their programme and are optimistic that the funding necessary will be forthcoming when it is seen how beneficial the programme is. Solas can be contacted at 093-36447.