Stepping away from the traditional Men’s Shed, Salvos wants to create a community space for all at the newly-dubbed Bendigo “Community Shed”.
Currently running groups for men, women and NDIS participants, ‘The Shed’, offers programs to the local community plus a large, fully equipped woodwork studio complete with machinery and tools.
The ‘Men’s Shed’ program was created as a place for men to enjoy the art of woodworking in a workshop group setting, plus be a focal point for social connection. The Men’s Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in Australia to address men’s health and well-being and help lessen isolation.
But why should this safe space only be for men?
Thanks to funding from The Salvation Army, Bendigo Corps’ Community Services opened their Women’s Shed in October of last year, fulfilling a long-term vision for the community hub.
Women’s sheds are popping up across the country with 32 sheds in New South Wales, eight in Victoria, eight in Queensland, five in Western Australia, four in South Australia, and one in Tasmania.
Fellowship is a key element for the Women’s Shed program, especially for some ladies involved with the Drug and Alcohol Rehab (TDR) group, who are also getting involved with the workshop group to learn new skills and build a new life.
Community Shed Supervisor, Rick Price, says he wants to amalgamate the classes so any person – male, female or non-binary – can come in, pick up some tools and join the community.
“The Old Blokes, they were more than happy to amalgamate,” Rick says.
Rick says one member of the men’s group came in on a day the NDIS class was on to work on his project and he “couldn’t believe it”.
Volunteer Alan says seeing the NDIS participants – with their carers – and the women build creative, complex and unique projects has “opened the men’s eyes”.
Alan chuckles, “he stood there for about half an hour just lookin’.”
Rick says this led him to open up about his grandson with a disability.
“I’ve known him as long as I’ve been here,” pointing to Alan, “and you’ve known him a lot longer and no mention of his grandson.”
Mother of two Angela, is making a see-saw for her children.
“She goes home proud as punch… and these kids are getting some really nice stuff,” Rick says.
Rick says he wants to “break down some barriers” by opening up the space to all members.
“It’s just community inclusion, isn’t it? If you can make somebody feel better about themselves and get a bit of self-confidence, why not?”
Member of the Women’s Shed and Volunteer, Jenna, says she found her confidence and independence at ‘The Shed’.
“It’s respectful, welcoming, a safe space where you are a part of a community, and especially with the girls we laugh, cry and swear together,” Jenna says.
Currently the ‘Women’s Shed’ is on Thursday mornings, with plans in place to run the program once a week at night to cater to women who work during the day.
NDIS sessions run three times a week, with one day a week dedicated to men.
A small fee of $8 for each participant goes towards equipment and costs.
Jenna says while laughing, “I keep telling Rick he needs to put the price up!”
“$8 and I can make my own furniture and gifts for others.”
