We have informal gatherings with a couple of displays and/or special guests as our conversation starters. We’re still looking for our own space but in the meantime are thankful for the use of various meeting spaces.
For more Information about Men’s Shed, or to find out when and where our subsequent gatherings will be, email: bowenislandmensshed@yahoo.com
And follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553276197872
Our Background:
A couple of Bowen Islanders approached SKY in 2023 to partner in expanding programs offered for men. These 2 people had an interest in starting up a Bowen Island Men’s Shed. As you may have guessed, SKY activities have been predominantly organized and attended by women since women are more likely to reach out for social connectedness and inclined to join in activities on an individual basis. Therefore, to encourage more men to become socially connected, SKY is helping the Bowen Island Men’s Shed (BIMS) by encouraging our male community members to join the Men’s Shed as founders as early-adopters. The Men’s Shed is a grassroots movement that started in Australia and has been spreading worldwide.
The health benefits “Shedders” reported in the UK include alleviation of anxiety, decreases in depression and feelings of loneliness lessened.
Why a “Men’s Shed” and not a “Women’s Shed”? Bowen Island’s Men’s Shed approached SKY to partner with a common goal for the physical and mental well-being (for SKY that’s 55+ and for BIMS it’s guys of any age). A Women’s Shed on Bowen Island could certainly be created, and the Men’s Shed would be open to partnering. BIMS also wants to promote men of all ages toward intergenerational sharing of knowledge, since there is a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared multi-generationally in both directions. At this time there is no physical “shed”, and every Men’s Shed offers different activities, so it will be up to the guys to shape their future and/or the infrastructure they envision. And not every Men’s Shed has to have a woodworking shop.
For now, our partnership with the Men’s Shed and SKY fills a previously identified gap where the need for men (or those who identify as men) to have social connections with others with common interests is vitally needed, particularly in aging.
Bowen Island’s Men’s Shed is now active! There’s a founding board of directors, many members have joined, and there are plans for hands-on activities and interesting events in the coming months.
For more Information about Men’s Shed, to find out when the next gatherings will be, or to join, email us at: bowenislandmensshed@yahoo.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553276197872