A Place for 'Blokes'

10th July 2009

Wellington Men are now able to find opportunities to play a positive role in their communities with help from local men’s group internationally known as ‘Menz Shed’.

The Shed gives older men that are retired, unemployed or socially isolated a chance to use their skills while building friendships and making it a place of their own.

One of the organisers, Stephen Jardine from the Inner City Project says, “It is a place where we can all learn from each other, just the other week one man taught us all how to handcraft a simple walking stick,” 

Each week a new skill is taught.

There are potters, retired tradesmen, furniture makers and musicians attending.

Menz Shed is also discussing the possibility of working on local community projects.

“We are fully dependent on support from the community, so we can put things back into the community.” 

Menz Shed is held each Thursday 10.30am at 6-8 Hanning Street, Te Aro.

It is supported by Wellington City Council, Wesley Action, Age Concern, SeniorNet, Sisters of Compassion Trust and Wellington Regional Health.

The idea for Menz Shed began in Australia, with thousands of participants attending weekly. 

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