Men’s Shed connects retirees in Lord Roberts

Lord Roberts

Men’s Sheds Canada – a registered charity that supports the creation of social hubs for older men – now has a presence in Lord Roberts.

Held at Lord Roberts Community Centre every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the local shed facilitates activities such as playing card games, woodcarving, or working on maintenance projects that benefit the community. Membership costs $20 a year.

Founded in Australia in the 1990s, the Men’s Sheds movement went global and first gained momentum in Canada in the early 2000s. In 2022, Men’s Sheds Canada became a registered charity with a mandate to support existing sheds and establish new sheds across Canada. In the age of the loneliness epidemic, the organization has earned a reputation for addressing men’s health issues and social isolation.

Vic Thiessen, a longtime member of the Men’s Shed in Woodhaven, volunteered to help establish a shed in Lord Roberts. Led by Ian Mowat and Keith Taylor, the LRCC shed has attracted more than half a dozen members. The goal is to double membership by 2026.

Thiessen brings woodcarving skills and share tips with members of the LRCC group.

“Men find it easier to talk when they’re doing something together,” he said.

When Thiessen’s wife was undergoing treatment for cancer, he quickly learned he wasn’t the only shed member dealing with the ups and downs of caring for an ill spouse or family member.

“A shed is not a support group, but we support one another while learning new skills,” he explained. “If you’re struggling after retirement or face health issues, you can come as you are and you will be accepted.”

For Thiessen, connecting with other men and expressing himself through woodcarving artwork has enhanced his life.

Although a Shed is primarily a community group, members can expect the occasional webinar about men’s health issues, such as identifying and treating prostate cancer and navigating grief and loss.

“When men are healthy, they bring so much more to their communities,” Thiessen said. “Giving back to the community is an important aspect of Men’s Sheds. When we help our community, we really feel that sense of purpose that can be lost after retirement.”

If you’re interested in joining the LRCC Men’s Shed, contact Ian Mowat at 204-471 5640 or Keith Taylor at 204-299-9307. Visit mensshedscanada.ca to learn more.