The Real Face of Men’s Health
IMSA responds to release of ‘The Real Face of Men’s Health’ report.
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association welcomes the release of ‘The Real Face of Men’s Health’ report which sets out clear recommendations for the current government to commit to Men’s Health as a key national priority and to realise the Men’s Health Action Plan 2024-2028.
Currently the Irish Men’s Sheds Association supports over 465 Sheds with an estimated 9-10,000 ‘Shedders’ a week coming in and out of Sheds. Largely Men in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s our audience cohort are Men who grew up with a particular social, cultural conditioning and historical background. Their relationship with the Health system, their personal Health and with themselves is interlinked but highly complex. We find that the unique environment of Sheds allows for Men to come together and for informal ‘Health by Stealth’ interventions to take place. When a Man feels he is not alone, is respected and not judged, he is much more likely to open up and share – Men talk in Sheds in ways they do not talk outside Sheds. ‘Connection’ is at the heart of every Shed and this crucial connection role has made Ireland’s Sheds world leaders with the country now boasting the highest number of Sheds per capita worldwide.
Read the full report here https://ie.movember.com/movember-institute/the-real-face-of-mens-health-report
Men’s Sheds are welcoming, inclusive spaces and IMSA want every Man to feel there is a place for them in a Shed in their local community. Attending a Shed can be hugely beneficial for a Man’s Health & Well Being as an ‘antidote’ to isolation, in combating loneliness and in negotiating life transitions and key changes like retirement/illness/loss and bereavement. Far too frequently IMSA are told by Men ‘I wouldn’t be here but for the Shed’ or ‘The Shed saved my life’. We frequently reflect ‘Imagine a society without Sheds’? or ‘How different would Older Men’s experiences be in terms of their Health & Well Being if they didn’t have the Shed’?
As Men age, in Sheds they can contribute to their communities on an ongoing basis, experience life-long learning opportunities and foster a sense of agency and change as they age. We recognise that Renewal, Growth and Change is possible at all ages. We know also that communities are better for a Shed being present – playing a crucial part of the social ‘glue’ connecting older Shedders with community groups, schools, Nursing Homes and environmental projects.
‘Sheds are just for old blokes right’? No! IMSA understand that older and younger Men only a few generations apart might present with different views or perspectives on Masculinity, the Male Role and their place in Society, Gender, Stigma, and Engagement with Counselling or Psychotherapy. But consistent with younger and older Men is the challenge that ‘help seeking’ presents to masculine identity and Men of all ages present later and with more acute symptoms or in crisis to Health services. Sheds welcome both young and older Men presenting a multitude of intergenerational Health and Well Being connections and positive Male Role modelling.
Enda Egan CEO Irish Men’s Sheds Association said:
‘IMSA particularly welcomes more cohort specific research, training and investment to increase and improve services and targeted supports across the Island of Ireland for Men as they age’. He added ‘We see transformative benefits and positive mental and physical Health impacts everyday in our 465 Sheds around the Island of Ireland. We acknowledge the immense impact of these unique community spaces and their growing role as part of the societal scaffolding our dramatically ageing population require and deserve as they face real needs and issues. We particularly welcome a whole of government approach and encourage increased collaboration and partnership across all sectors. Men’s Health is the responsibility of everyone and as we can see from the findings highlighted – there is enthusiasm and drive for this vital work on the ground’.
Download the press release HERE
