IMSA Conference
The Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) held its annual national conference in Dún Laoghaire for the first time, at the Royal Marine Hotel. The event welcomed over 300 Men’s Shed members from across Ireland, gathering under the powerful theme of ‘Becoming Men – Mental Health and Wellbeing in Men’s Sheds’
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Recognising the individuality of experience each Man has in a Shed and the unique qualities of each Shed, IMSA sees its role as providing scaffolding for an environment where Men can continue to explore their personal journey as Men, ‘shoulder to shoulder’, supported by peers and enhanced through creative projects, collaborative programmes and initiatives with cross sector multi-disciplinary partners. ‘Becoming’ reflects the experiences Men from all backgrounds might have in their Shed – the potential to become different versions of themselves as ‘Shedders’ and the unique opportunity to share this journey with others.
The conference was held to coincide with International Men’s Health Day, November the 19th. As well as the 300 shedders the conference was attended by healthcare professionals, officials and members of DLR County Council and representatives of partner organisations.
The IMSA is the national representative body for over 500 Men’s Sheds across the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, where they currently support 62 affiliated sheds. Sheds are connectors and enablers in society. Men’s Sheds support and enable other groups within their communities; Tidy Towns, Schools, Sports and Youth Clubs all benefit from the activities and efforts of Irish shedders. IMSA advocates for all sheds and works collaboratively with stakeholders to support and grow this vital grassroots movement.
The conference was supported by DLR County council and was officially opened by Cllr Jim Gildea, An Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Musician and broadcaster Tom Dunne was MC for the day and introduced speakers Dr Harry Barry, Frank Fahey and Neuroscientist Ian Robertson.
Kells Men’s Shed were drawn as winners of the Adman Steel Shed Competition, and presented with the keys of their €25,000 Adman Shed by Marc Heaney of Adman Steel Sheds. Sheds in Bere Island, Doochary, Kells, Killenummery and Portadown were the five finalists selected from over 70 entries.
LBS Men’s Shed (Loughlinstown, Ballybrack and Shanganagh) staged excerpts from their award winning play ‘What are we waiting for’ before a panel discussion on sheds and creativity with Poet Colm Keegan and Assistant Arts Officer Maire Davey. The conference was then closed by Deputy CMO Professor Ellen Crushell.
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