Men\u27s sheds and health outcomes
- They are seen as a positive approach to men\u27s health and social needs
- They are relevant to contemporary health promotion practices as they focus on individual empowerment:
+ + self-esteem -\u3e + + personal control -\u3e + + health outcome

Fildes, Dave

Pember, Brian

Pitts, Leissa

Trkulja, Zaga

English

Research Online

University of WollongongResearch OnlineAustralian Health Services Research Institute Faculty of Business2013The Coniston Men's Shed: more than just a place toplay with wood!Dave FildesUniversity of Wollongong, dfildes@uow.edu.auBrian PemberHealthy Cities IllawarraLeissa PittsMulticultural Health Service, leissa.pitts@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.auZaga TrkuljaMulticultural Health ServiceResearch Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library:research-pubs@uow.edu.auPublication DetailsD. Fildes, B. Pember, L. Pitts & Z. Trkulja, "The Coniston Men's Shed: more than just a place to play with wood!", National Men'sHealth Gathering. (2013) 1-30.The Coniston Men's Shed: more than just a place to play with wood!AbstractMen's sheds and health outcomes- They are seen as a positive approach to men's health and social needs- They are relevant to contemporary health promotion practices as they focus on individual empowerment:+ + self-esteem -> + + personal control -> + + health outcomesKeywordsplay, wood, place, just, than, more, shed, men, conistonPublication DetailsD. Fildes, B. Pember, L. Pitts & Z. Trkulja, "The Coniston Men's Shed: more than just a place to play withwood!", National Men's Health Gathering. (2013) 1-30.This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/ahsri/228The Coniston Men's Shed: More Than Just a Place to Play With Wood!Dave Fildes1, Brian Pember2, Leissa Pitts3 and Zaga Trkulja31 - Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong2 - Healthy Cities Illawarra3 - Multicultural Health Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven local Health DistrictMen’s sheds and health outcomesThey are seen as a positive approach to men’s health and social needsThey are relevant to contemporary health promotion practices as they focus on individual empowerment: + +  self-esteem   + +  personal control   + +  health outcomesMen’s sheds and policyNational Male Health PolicyMan Therapy CampaignNSW Men’s Health Plan Health (2009-2012)DVA and FaCSHIAState and Territory based peak bodiesThe Coniston Men’s ShedOperating a men’s shed for three groups of men:Multicultural men’s group Middle eastern men’s groupHomeless men’s groupArea covered by the projectGoals and aimsBuild up and enhance self-esteem, social support, sense of purpose and community connectednessDevelop and refine practical skills Connect men into community projects and activities in which they can actively participate.Men’s backgroundMembership overview: 40 men 38 main income from Centrelink or DVA 19 culturally and linguistically diverse 17 receive disability pension 8 young parentsShed managementWe employ project facilitators with experience in community cultural developmentCasual trainers are also employed as required (e.g. welding, health education sessions).The program is designed in consultation with the menReferralsWe receive referrals and placements from: NSW Health – Mental Health and Multi Cultural Services Centrelink St. Vincent de Paul, Barnardos, Uniting Care Wollongong Family Relationships Centre Illawarra Retirement Trust – Senior Solutions Illawarra Transitional Aged Care Service (ITACS)ActivitiesWe split the men’s activities into thirds:1/3rd of time working on their own projects1/3rd of time on group activities1/3rd of time working on community projects2005 – 2007 Evaluation ResultsEvaluation results demonstrated improvements in: Self-esteem Social connectedness Feelings of Health and well-being Improvements in health status (incl. mental health) Men’s community participation and capacityFildes, D., Y. Cass, et al. (2010) Shedding light on men: The Building Healthy Men Project. Journal of Men's Health. Vol. 7(3): pp.233-240.Better education paves the way to a healthier, better life. So learn all you can about the life you've been given.Better educationMental Health SessionPhysical Health SessionFamily/Relationships SessionFirst Aid Training SessionPractical skills – woodwork, metalwork, welding and pavingSocial connection keeps you as part of the world of life. Stay with us, stay connected. We need you here with us.Social connectionQuestion Number of  responses Positive Negative Don’t knowImproved access/engagement to other community services24 16 0 8As a result of the help I have received I am more connected to people 25 17 0 8Social connectionThe men make connections with their local community through:Participating in community eventsThrough local project activitiesParticipating in workshopsThrough the provision of goodsQuestion Number of  responsesPositive Negative Don’t knowAs a result of the help I have received my relationships with my family have improved 25 17 0 8As a result of the help I have received attending this service makes my home life better 25 23 0 2Social Connection and Family lifePositive role models give us someone to look to in a world of change. Find a role model or be one.Positive role models“Men don't talk face to face; they talk shoulder to shoulder” Barry GoldingEmployment means everything to us, it keeps us going, it gives us purpose, it's why we're here. It's more than a job, it's your purpose in life.Employment“Work enables a man to meet the social norms for masculine attitudes and behaviours”The loss of work can“threaten a man’s sense of masculinity and impact negatively on health and well-being” Gradman (1994)In conclusionMen’s sheds can address many issues relating to the social determinants of health through:Promoting healthy lifestylesEnhancing their practical skillsProviding links to the community and supporting social connectednessProviding opportunities for employment

The Coniston Men\u27s Shed:  more than just a place to play with wood!

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The Coniston Men\u27s Shed: more than just a place to play with wood!

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