At its 9th National Men’s Shed Gathering last week the Australian Men’s Shed Association launched a shedder wellbeing framework Shed Mates – standing shoulder to shoulder for shedder wellbeing, with support from national mental health awareness charity Black Dog Ride.
“Through the Shed Mates initiative AMSA will deliver information, resources and a network of supports for Men’s Shed committees and members working towards maintaining and improving the wellbeing of older Australians across the Men’s Shed community,” said AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.
The Shed Mates initiative builds on work already done by Men’s Sheds all over the country, providing a framework of engagement and implementation strategies and activities to enhance shedder wellbeing.
“We are grateful for the support of Black Dog Ride in enhancing expanding our reach,” Mr Helmers said.
It’s a great fit for the organisations, who both work to enhance mental health and wellbeing for Australians through grassroots activities.
“Shed Mates aligns closely with the Black Dog Ride’s values and our goals of de-stigmatising the debilitating effects of mental health, which effects so many,” said Black Dog Ride General Manager Lawson Dixon.
The first phase of the initiative will be rolled out across the Men’s Shed community through a series of national Men’s Shed and community events throughout 2022.
Men’s Sheds can contact amsa@mensshed.net for more information about the Shed Mates initiative.
