Men’s Sheds – Tools for Mental Wellness

As we celebrate Men’s Health Week, the Kenmore Men’s Shed – known as Shed West – shines as a powerful example of what inclusive, community-based support can achieve

All men, with or without disability, who attend can fully enjoy all club activities and the mateship it fosters.

A standout in its community, Shed West not only champions physical and mental well-being, it also understands how important connection, purpose, and belonging is to its members.

After suffering a spinal cord injury several years ago, 77-year-old Geoff, a shed member from Kenmore spent nearly 10 months in hospital. Now he uses a wheelchair for mobility.

“I came out of the hospital at the end of 2012 and was looking for things to do after that,” he said. “A good friend of mine I met through the RSL was helping to run a Men’s Shed at the time, and he got me started.”

All men who come to the shed share the same sentiment – social connection and mateship are “important,” along with mutual support and a strong sense of community.

“There'd be nothing worse than being stuck in a home, and we know a lot of people in wheelchairs end up that way,” Geoff said.

Carers Queensland NDIS local area coordinators in the community visit Shed West in Kenmore regularly and they were immediately impressed with the inclusive practices it had set up to cater for men with disability.

After the Blue Shed was renovated with higher tables to accommodate wheelchairs, 70-year-old Trevor from Corinda recalled how simple changes made accessing the shed and joining in on activities much easier for him.

“It was like something was done for us, rather than having to fit into the normal operation of things. It was pretty good,” Trevor said.

“But the beauty of it is there's a couple of engineers, there's a retired magistrate, a fellow who flew choppers in Vietnam… a fellow who flew into New Guinea, and it’s been fantastic to hear their stories.

“I've had businesses. I had a couple of farms down at Tamworth; I had a business in Canada, then I went back to my trade, a mechanic, and that’s when I had my accident,” Trevor said.

Out cycling one day when he was 58, Trevor had an accident near the Fig Tree Pocket turn-off. It resulted in critical injuries and marked a significant turning point in his life, which has led to a long and challenging recovery for him.

“I went over the handlebars on my push bike and landed on my head. I broke my neck, C6 and 7,” he said.

“When I woke up, there was a couple of cyclists there who were on the phone to triple 0, so nine and a half months later, I got home”.

Since Trevor joined the NDIS, his community participation and physical wellbeing have increased significantly, all thanks to his support workers and regular therapies.

“I go to the gym three times a week. They put pads on the muscles on my legs, and that generates power to drive a bike,” Trevor said.

“That’s kept muscle in my legs, the muscle movement generates blood flow, so it's very important. Otherwise, you end up with fluid on the legs,” he added.

Prioritising men’s health and well-being, Shed West has become a beacon of hope, showing how community-driven initiatives can foster healthier, more connected lives.

Through physical improvements, inclusive health-focused activities, and the strong social bonds it has been able to form, the Kenmore Men’s Shed showcases the power of a supportive and united community.

For more information about Men’s Health Week and local shed run events, visit: Men's Health Week 2025 – Australian Men's Shed Association.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636 or email: cq.customerservice@ndis.gov.au

Article originally published by Carersqld on 2 June 2025.