Fairfax Community Network is a proud supporter of beyondblue, the national initiative to raise awareness of depression and other mental health issues. Our special stories are designed to highlight the work of beyondblue in the lead-up to Mental Health Awareness Week. For help and information, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300224636.THE humble Aussie shed is being used in the battle against male depression and social isolation in the Macedon Ranges.
An initiative of Cobaw Community Health, the Cobaw Men's Shed in Kyneton was formed in 2002 to help older, unemployed, depressed or happy retired men to remain connected to their community.
Shed co-ordinator John Quinlan says the shed is helping men feel useful and worthwhile.
"It's a place men can socialise with other men instead of going to the pub. They can come to this place and work on their own projects or other community projects that are really good for their self-esteem," he said.
"They often use the word 'safe' to describe how they feel here, especially if they have depression or other problems because there is no pressure and no structured program. They find the shed really non-judgemental."
There are 35 men from across the Macedon Ranges on the books at the Cobaw Men's Shed. They come together for woodwork, metalwork, a cup of tea, barbecue and a good-old fashioned chat.
Some pop in for 10 minutes once a week and others are there all day everyday.
"They like to talk freely about their health problems. They are surprisingly open - it's amazing. You see people change and you see the improvement," Mr Quinlan said.
He said the shed could be a therapeutic way to help men who were lonely and men who were new to the area to break into a social network.
"It's open to all, so you're not pigeonholed as just for someone who has problems.
"If someone is happy and jovial they can help the others who might be down in the dumps."
As co-ordinator, Mr Quinlan is there to offer the men someone to talk to in a casual, informal way because "sometimes people just need to get things off their chest".
After being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2006, Kyneton resident Andrew Marechal struggled to get back into the workforce.
The 38-year-old now attends the men's shed three days each week. "It gives me something to do. I used to work 50 to 60 hours a week as a nurse.
"It's [the shed] mainly for the socialisation, because I was trying to find something to fill the hours."
Mr Marechal uses the computer, "talks to the boys" and helps make trains, CD racks and tables.
"If you spend all your time at home doing nothing you are just going to think negative thoughts.
"I could sit and think I'm on the pension when I used to make $60,000 as a nurse and say, 'Look what I've missed out on', but my life is really good.
"Some of the men don't have anyone, so here they can talk to men their own age. If someone has a new joke, sometimes it's probably a good thing women don't come here. We have a laugh and we don't have to put the toilet seat down."
Newbury resident Gerard Scully, 81, has been coming to the shed for about five years.
After he was seriously injured in a car accident in 1976, the former builder was determined to stay active. He bowls, walks a lot and still enjoys building at the shed. He is now working on making possum boxes for homeless animals in bushfire-affected areas.
"I heard about it through word of mouth. It's a great crowd here and they're all good around the place. I would go nuts if I just sat at home."
The Cobaw Men's Shed, at 8 Mollison Place, is open 9am-5pm each Wednesday to Friday. Details: 54211677.
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