I saw a very interesting idea on the ABC 7.30 report on Wednesday night. At a little town called Nambucka in NSW the local Uniting Church has a thing that they call "The Men's Shed". Isolated or lonely men and teenagers may come as they like to the shed, which is basically a big workshop. They work on projects there and enjoy the fun of construction and the satisfaction of working with other men on worthwhile tasks. They did not mention if they offered councelling services but I suspect that the interaction with other men and the joy of doing something constructive is all the councelling that they need. The interviews with the men there showed that it was a remarkable help. Men find the fellowship there that all men need in a male friendly environment. I suspect that many men are like me. I like having friends and appreciate a visit. But long meaningful talks over cups of coffee around the kitchen table bore the life out of me. I keep on thinking "lets do something together and stop all this chatter." However it may be, using woodwork as a means of promoting mental health and social interaction among these men was working wonders and I was very impressed. I wonder if any one else saw the segment. When I retire I would like to add participation in such a scheme to my list of things to do.
