Portland Men's Shed

Men’s sheds or community sheds are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork
and social interaction. Women are also invited to become members and are welcomed.
Men’s sheds aim to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian Men. They address social isolation
and boost men’s mental health in terms of: feeling safe, making friends and being useful and
productive in their community.
They also provide vital health information and resources that men may not usually access, or may be
reluctant to access. A study found that men’s shed members had significantly better scores than non
shed members for:
• physical functioning
• general health
• vitality
• mental health.
Men’s sheds can offer a variety of activities from manual crafts to gardening to cooking and computer
skills. Some undertake community projects for local groups. Men’s sheds can provide an opportunity
to learn new skills. They may hold health and wellbeing events and provide contacts for men to follow
up on their health needs. Men’s sheds can also provide company or an opportunity to make friends.
You can do as little or as much as you like. They provide a safe place to just have a coffee and a chat.

Men’s Sheds encourage people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects
in their local communities. Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation.
The most important benefit is not what they create or mend, but the relationships they build with
others.