Minister’s praise for important role of Men’s Sheds
MEN'S Sheds do really important work that is good for the body and the mind, Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, told Slane and District Men’s Shed on her visit there last week.
“I know from my current and former ministerial roles and, indeed as a constituency TD, that life doesn’t necessarily get easier as we get older. Indeed, many significant life experiences that are associated with aging such as retirement, bereavement, separation, and serious illness, can all have a negative impact on one’s mental health’, she said.
“It’s great that men’s sheds are there as an outlet for company and activity for men who are going through such life transitions. I know from talking to members on earlier visits that coming to the Shed and meeting other men, as well as getting involved in personal and community projects, has been a lifesaver for some of them.
“It’s great that the Slane Shed is able to be open five days a week from ten to four, as this gives men great scope for involvement in your wide range of activities”.
The Minister visited the metalwork building where the work is continuing on the mobile field kitchen for Meath River Rescue. She congratulated the team on the work that they were doing.
“If there is anything that I can do to support your work, my door is always open”, she said.
Shed Chairman, Kevin Macken, the driving force behind the mobile field kitchen project, thanked the Minister for taking the time to visit the Shed and to meet the members.
“The Shed gives a welcome to any men who want to come along and meet others, whether it’s to simply hang out and chat over a cup of tea or whether it’s to learn and practice new skills, or work on personal and community projects” he said.
“When men reach a certain age and especially when they are retired, they can be very stuck for things to do and this can cause loneliness and depression. Men’s sheds provide a healthy and engaging social outlet.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in what we do. If anyone wants to know more, they can call us at 0866003636 or email slanemensshed@gmail.com
Slane and District Men’s Shed started up in its own buildings in September 2019. The shed is open from ten to four, five days a week. It has dedicated woodwork and metalwork areas, a computer room, fitted kitchen and separate canteen, an exercise room with aerobic machines, and a general-purpose recreational area that hosts training courses, physical exercise classes, cards, music lessons, musical evenings, and games such as pool and bowls.
This year, the Shed is partnering again with LMETB to put on a range of courses including mindfulness, positive psychology, photography, computer skills, and cookery.
The Shed is also partnering for the first time with Age Action Ireland to provide one to one tutoring sessions in how to make effective use of smartphones, laptops and other devices. Participants will have their own tutor for one to two hours a week for five weeks, beginning in April.