Community groups in Northern Victoria are encouraged to submit an application for funding to build or modify a local Men’s Shed as part of the fourth round of grants opened today.
The Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad, said the funding will expand on the hugely successful network of Men’s Sheds across the state.
“The Brumby Labor Government welcomes applications for the fourth round of grant funding to help communities meet the cost of building a new shed or redeveloping an existing shed,” Ms Broad said.
“Grants of up to $50,000 each have helped 76 communities meet the cost of establishing a dedicated Men’s Shed throughout the state, and I look forward to expanding this successful network to ensure they are available to men in communities that need them most.
“As well as giving older men somewhere to get together and work on worthwhile projects, men’s sheds can link them to information and services for a range of health and well being related issues – which they often don’t actively seek out themselves.
“I encourage local community and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a grant of up to $50,000 to establish or redevelop a local shed,” Ms Broad said.
Research conducted by the University of Ballarat[1] found that men who are involved with a local Men’s Shed feel better about themselves, have a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment.
“Men’s Sheds are great at addressing the social, health, wellbeing and learning needs of men who are often experiencing complex and difficult changes in their working lives, their physical and mental health, their relationships, status and identities,” Ms Broad said.
“The research shows that men greatly appreciate the opportunity to be accepted by, and give back to the community through what they make and do in the Sheds.
“These Sheds provide a relaxed place for men to make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in their local community, which has great benefits for their individual health and wellbeing.
“And by involving men in local community projects – such as making benches for public parks, or building cubby houses for the local kindergarten – men’s sheds also provide practical benefits for the wider community,” Ms Broad said
The Brumby Labor Government has invested $4.5 million over four years in the Men’s Sheds program – the first program in Australia to provide specific support directly to Men’s Sheds.
For more information or to apply for the Men’s Sheds grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au Applications close on 21 July 2010.
[1] Golding, B, Brown, M and Foley, A, 2007, Men’s Sheds in Australia: Learning through community contexts