
Men’s Sheds Edmonton is a grassroots men's-health movement that builds and promotes positive spaces for men of all ages to connect, create, and socialize within a variety of environments. Grounded in the spirit of camaraderie, each shed creates a unique community which is fueled by the interests of its members (aka "shedders").
The heart of the Men's Sheds movement is to address high mortality rates among men, especially those entering or in retirement. The benefits of increasing social connection reduces anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness among shedders (Ford, 2022). Too often, men are taught to follow the path of stoicism, which silences their struggles and increases rates of suicide 3 to 6 times higher than their female counterparts (Government of Canada, 2022).
While the non-profit organization helps to build and promote Edmonton’s men’s sheds, the members decide what happens in each shed. Whether it is woodworking, watching hockey, playing cards, tinkering, or just having a laugh, activities are casual, fun, and flexible!
A shed may choose to meet absolutely anywhere, including community centers, coffee shops, church basements, and virtually. Currently, there are seven unique sheds located within Edmonton, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, and Beaumont.
Joining a shed is easy and always free. Visit https://mensshedsyeg.ca/become-a-member/ to find a shed near you, or reach out directly to the organization's chairman, Morris Reid, at mreid2057@gmail.com.
resources
Government of Canada. (2022). Working together to prevent suicide in Canada: the federal framework for suicide prevention. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2022-progress-report-federal-framework-suicide-prevention/2022-progress-report-federal-framework-suicide-prevention.pdf
Ford, K. (2022). Men's Sheds Canada. https://www.mensshedscanada.ca/ShedsAndActivities/WhatsAMensShed/
Men's Sheds Edmonton. (n.d.). https://mensshedsyeg.ca/
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