Young Men's Shed
When the Clunes Men’s Shed needed to expand because of increased membership, they realised that building a new shed might just provide them with a chance to address another need for young men in our community.
Source: WinTV - click on video at end of article.
It's been a project three years in the planning, but earlier this year, the Creswick and District Community Bank announced a $30K grant that will help the Clunes Men’s Shed turn their idea for a Young Men's Shed into a reality for our town. Recently this was further supported by Hepburn Shire Council with an additional $5000 Community Grant to help us achieve the remaining funds to finalise the build.
“As we researched our needs, we came to realise that there was a huge gap out there for younger men as well ourselves,” said Jon Paine, Co-ordinator for the Clunes Men’s Shed, “Expanding the shed facilities the way we are, means that we can share that space with a younger men’s program, linking them to the benefits a Men’s Shed program offers.”
An Australian First
Statistics show that 43% of men experience mental health issues in their life, issues that could be eased through the friendships, connections and place to work alongside others that Men’s Sheds offer. 1 in 7 of those men, are younger.
“There is no other Young Men’s Shed program that we know of in Australia,” said Mr Paine, “So Clunes will be a first.”
“We’ll partner with Clunes Neighbourhood House, who are our auspicing body, to help develop and run that program. It will be launched once the build is finalised. Currently we are going through the permit process but we are looking forward to breaking ground before the end of the year,” explained Mr Paine.
“This support from the Creswick and District Community Bank and now Hepburn Shire Council provides the Clunes Men’s Shed, and ourselves with the tipping point we needed to get this innovative shed up and running,” said Lana de Kort, Manager at Clunes Neighbourhood House.
“While the shed is under construction we’ll be working to consolidate partnerships with men’s health, education pathways and industry partners so that the Young Men’s Shed offers young men a place where they can mix with other men, gain good role models, foster a positive male culture, learn/share skills and potentially create employment pathways.”
This intergenerational initiative offers enormous potential to strengthen the resilience of boys and men in the Clunes community, while allowing positive male culture to be nurtured at a grassroots level.
Want to be Involved?
If you or your organisation are interested in being involved in the development of this program please don't hesitate to contact manager@clunesnh.org.
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