A 12-week partnership between the South Brisbane Men's Shed and three Griffith University Occupational Therapy students has highlighted the value of Men's Sheds as community-based settings for learning, participation and wellbeing.
Third-year Occupational Therapy students Trinity, Tianna and Isabella recently completed a role-emerging placement at the shed, working alongside members to explore how occupational therapy can support participation, accessibility and safety in a community environment.
Unlike traditional placements in hospitals or clinics, role-emerging placements give students the opportunity to apply occupational therapy skills in community settings where people are already engaged in meaningful activities and social connection.
Throughout their placement, the students spent time learning about the culture, activities and operations of the shed before identifying areas where they could contribute.
One of the most significant outcomes was developing practical safety resources for the woodworking area. After undertaking the shed's woodworking induction process themselves, the students recognised that new members can be presented with a large amount of information when learning to use machinery safely.
Working closely with South Brisbane Men's Shed President Perry and members, the team developed machine-specific safety sheets that have been compiled into reference booklets. The team also created QR codes linking to demonstration videos, providing members with both written and visual guidance. Small reminder cards were installed on equipment to encourage users to revisit safety information whenever required.
The students emphasised that the resources were designed to complement, not replace, the extensive knowledge and experience already held within the shed.
Occupational therapy is often associated with hospitals, rehabilitation or disability services, but the profession is much broader. Occupational therapists aim to support people to continue participating in activities that are meaningful and important to them. This can include hobbies, volunteering, community involvement, social participation and practical skills, all of which are central to the Men's Shed movement.
The placement also contributed to discussions around future health and wellbeing initiatives, including exercise resources and support for funding applications relating to shed facilities and equipment.
For the students, the experience provided valuable insight into the role Men's Sheds play in fostering connection, purpose and community participation.
Reflecting on their time at the shed, the students said they were welcomed warmly by members and gained far more than they expected from the placement.
"From the conversations over coffee and the shared stories, to the laughter around the shed and Thursday music sessions, we experienced first-hand the strong sense of community that Men's Sheds create."
The placement demonstrates how occupational therapy and Men's Sheds can work together to support safe, meaningful participation while providing unique learning opportunities for future health professionals.
Could your Shed host an Occupational Therapy student?
Griffith University's Occupational Therapy program is interested in exploring placement opportunities with Men's Sheds across Queensland.
Hosting students can bring fresh perspectives, support the development of practical resources, and help identify opportunities to enhance accessibility, participation and safety while respecting the knowledge and culture that already exist within sheds.
Interested?
If your Shed is interested in discussing potential placement opportunities contact the Griffith Occupational Therapy at occthy.praced@griffith.edu.au to connect with Practice Education Coordinator Marie Hanson or Course Convenor Chloe Kitto.
