In keeping with our men’s health focus this November, we wanted to bring attention to a wonderful organization new to the Cold Lake area, the Cold Lake Chapter Men’s Shed.

Men’s sheds are local, non-profit organizations that provide men a place to share and teach their craftwork and find social interaction. The idea originated in Australia as a way to improve men’s mental health and wellbeing. The concept has really caught on and men’s sheds can now be found all over the world, Cold Lake included.

Cold Lake Men’s Shed

Not all Men’s Sheds are the same – if you looked inside you might see a number of men making furniture, perhaps restoring bicycles for a local school, making birdhouses, fixing lawn mowers or making Adirondack chairs to raffle off. You might also see a few young men working with the older men obtaining new skills and learning something about life from the men with whom they work. You might see local elders making traditional weapons or designing arts and crafts. You will see tea-bags, coffee cups and a comfortable area where men can sit and talk. You will may also see an area where men can learn to cook for themselves or having a common meal together or how to contact their families by computer.

Most men have learned not to talk about their feelings and emotions and many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. Because most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions they won’t usually don’t ask for help. Probably because of this, many men are less healthy than women, drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness, and depression. Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own.

Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of friendship. And, most importantly, there is no pressure. Men can just come and have a conversation and enjoy a cup of coffee if that is all they’re looking for.

If you are interested in becoming a “Shedder” contact Wayne Warner at 780-201-2521