FAQs
If you don’t find the answer to your question here, get in touch with us through our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked us the most. If you need information you can’t find on our website please get in touch with us and we’ll try to help.
What is a Men’s Shed?
Men’s Sheds of WA defines a Men’s Shed as a group of men that come together to participate in activities and shared interests. Download our full definition here.
How do I find a Men’s Shed near me?
You can find your local Men’s Shed on our Find a Shed page.
What happens at a Men’s Shed?
Walk into your local Men’s Shed and you will typically see a hive of activity. You’ll find men working shoulder-to-shoulder with wood, carpentry, carving, furniture repairs and anything else they might want to try their hand at.
What do Men’s Sheds of WA do?
Men’s Sheds of WA is a men’s health promotion charity and the peak body that represents and supports all Sheds throughout Western Australia. We exist for the benefit, success and support of all Sheds. Through creating a thriving and sustainable Men’s Sheds movement we can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of men across the State.
We aim to do this by promoting the good work of WA’s Sheds and by connecting existing Sheds, helping to start new ones, and raising awareness of the social, physical, and emotional health benefits.
We raise awareness of the social and health benefits of Men’s Sheds in reducing isolation, loneliness and in empowering local communities.
We don’t own or manage any of the Men’s Sheds, but we champion them for miles around. Find out more on our About Us page.
How do I join a Men’s Shed?
Whether you have existing knowledge or want to learn something new your local Shed is a place you can go and develop your DIY skills, try your hands at something different or meet new people.
Ready to join? Contact your local Men’s Shed.
Can you repair or restore an item for me?
Many Men’s Sheds have members who are willing and able to repair that wobbly wheel on your shopping cart or refinish that coffee table.
Sheds are a great place to get some help for those odd jobs where you don’t have the skills or the right tool, but the job isn’t big enough for a tradesman. They’ll often take on these odd jobs in exchange for some baked goods or a donation to the Shed.
Need something fixed? Contact your local Men’s Shed.
How can I donate tools or support a Men’s Shed?
There are heaps of ways you can support the Men’s Sheds, including making financial donations, donating your tools and leaving a gift in your will. Our Support the Sheds page has all the information you need for the various ways to do so.
Are Men’s Sheds just woodwork?
While woodworking is a common activity, Men’s Sheds are about much more than woodwork.
Many Sheds offer art classes, singing groups, gardening groups, bike and vehicle repairs, and all sorts of other activities. Each Shed is different and reflective of its members and community. There is something for everyone.
What are Community Sheds and Women’s Sheds?
The model of the Men’s Shed has grown over recent years, and we are seeing the success of Men’s Sheds replicated for Women’s Sheds and Community Sheds.
While Community Sheds engage a broader range of members, we encourage them to have dedicated sessions or days for men. Sheds are a proven way of supporting men’s health, and this should still be considered a priority for Community Sheds. Men’s Sheds of WA can advise on the practical ways to achieve this.
While Men’s Sheds of WA is a men’s health promotion charity, we welcome all Sheds in our membership, and our resources and support are available to all.
What are the benefits of joining a Men’s Shed?
Men Sheds provide a place where men can feel included and safe, where they can work on their own projects and hobbies and give back to their community.
- Mateship & connection: The main reason why most men want to join a Shed – to build friendships and feel part of a community.
- Purpose & contribution: Use your skills, help others and make a difference in your community.
- Learn & share skills: Try new activities, learn from others and pass on what you know.
- Health & wellbeing: Stay socially connected, active and engaged in a supportive environment.
- Fun & enjoyment: Enjoy shared interests, activities, conversation and most importantly… have a good laugh.
Do I need to be a man to join a Men’s Shed?
It depends on the Shed.
While Sheds have traditionally been for older retired men looking for something to do after retirement, more and more younger men and women are getting involved.
We have included on our Find a Shed search tool which Sheds are open to women members or participants.
Are Men’s Sheds accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. Over 80% of Men’s Sheds and Community Sheds have members with a disability. Find out more on our Disability Inclusion in Sheds page.
Are Men’s Sheds relevant for veterans?
Yes. Over 80% of Men’s Sheds and Community Sheds have members who have served in our armed forces. Sheds are a proven and effective way to support our mental wellbeing. Sheds support veterans to reengage in community life, create new connections and are a great help when people are looking to transition out of the services.
How can I start a Men’s Shed in my community?
Each Shed is independent and will develop its own personality but the steps you need to build a new Shed are similar. You’ll find a dot point plan to building a thriving sustainable Shed in your community here.
The first step though – contact our team and we will talk you through the process.
What makes a Thriving Shed?
In 2021 Men’s Sheds of WA approached Curtin University to research ‘What Makes a Thriving Shed?’
The Thriving Shed Project team planned surveys to gather information from as many Shed members as possible, and qualitative interviews to provide a rich and detailed understanding from members’ and leaders’ perspectives. This ultimately led to our ‘What Makes a Thriving Shed?’ report.
This report will guide Men’s Shed of WA as the peak body in WA to provide governance and support that will further increase the positive impacts of Sheds into the future.
Supported by
Our Patron
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM
Governor of Western Australia and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson
