Health Minister Robin Swann hailed the positive benefits of Men’s Shed for men’s health during a visit to a project in North Belfast.

Accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride, the Minister met some of the 20 men who use the shed and benefit from his invaluable work with similar projects to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across Ireland North.

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Health Minister Robin Swann said: “As we mark Men’s Health Week (June 13-17), it’s great to see how much support this project has from local men and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to visit the North Belfast Men’s Shed.

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“Speaking with those who use these facilities, it is evident that these initiatives benefit the mental, emotional and physical well-being of men and have a positive impact on the communities from which they come.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Many men are reluctant to talk about health issues and their mental health, or to seek professional help. Programs like this are therefore a good place to start the conversation, share experiences and learn from each other. ”

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Aidan Dawson, PHA Chief Executive, said: “North Belfast Men’s Shed is an excellent example of the work undertaken by sheds across Northern Ireland and the visit of the Minister and Chief Medical Officer is an opportunity to demonstrate how the various projects benefit the mental, emotional and physical well-being of men as well as their communities.

“The Men’s Shed movement supports PHA’s top priorities of addressing health inequities, reducing isolation and loneliness, and promoting positive mental health through the 5 Steps to Wellness to: Connect , take note, stay active, give and learn.”

Men’s sheds provide a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, practice skills and revisit previous hobbies, from woodworking, metalworking, electronics repair and restoration to gardening . They also provide valuable space to connect with others in a relaxed environment.

Rachel Toner, Community Development Manager at Groundwork NI, said, “Men’s Sheds offers renewed meaning to members or ‘shedders’, as they like to be known, by providing a safe space for men to open up and connect with others.

“The Men’s Sheds are vital community organizations, and they have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of their members. They have played a vital role in allowing individuals to reconnect with others and instilling a sense of identity and belonging to help them survive even amid the recent global pandemic.

“The sheds provide opportunities to improve the health and well-being of members. Men make friends, learn new skills, and can often find renewed meaning in their purpose by giving back to their communities. Sheds not only have a positive impact on members, but also on their families and those around them.

To learn more about Men’s Sheds and how to join one near you, or if you are considering starting a shed in your area, contact Groundwork NI for help and practical advice on how to proceed.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is funding Groundwork NI to help support over 80 Men’s Sheds across Northern Ireland.

Please visit www.groundwork.org.uk/hubs/northernireland/projects/mens-sheds/

For more information on Mens Sheds contact: [email protected]

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