Bowen Island Men’s Shed, Bowen’s new group has approached SKY to partner in expanding programs offered for men. 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 promoting the Bowen Island Men’s Shed (BI-MS) and our male SKY members are being encouraged to join the Men’s Shed as founders as early-adopters. The Men’s Shed is a grassroots movement that has been spreading worldwide.
The health benefits “Shedders” reported in the UK include alleviation of anxiety, decreases in depression and feelings of loneliness lessened. Because of the proven benefits to men, particularly senior men, BI-MS will recognize SKY memberships and vice-versa for the foreseeable future as we partner toward the common goal of promoting the physical and mental well-being of our island’s residents.
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 well-being geared primarily toward senior men. Men’s Sheds, however, are open to men of all ages and there is a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared multi-generationally. 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.
For now, our partnership with the Men’s Shed 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. To that end, we are jointly planning a Men-Only “Coffee & Cookies” gathering soon.
CALL TO ACTION: the guys forming our new Bowen Island Men’s Shed needs some help getting it going. If you are wanting to support our local chapter by being a founding member, or if you want to get onto our mailing list to receive our schedule of activities, please email: bowenislandmensshed@yahoo.com
Stay tuned for the date, time, and location of our upcoming gatherings.