[Impact Story] Alouette Men's Shed

Meet Wayne, a Maple Ridge local who has battled clinical depression for most of his life. But little did he know that a Men's Shed would become his unlikely remedy.

Wayne discovered the Alouette Men's Shed, a vibrant community group that has changed his life in profound ways. "Joining the shed has been a game-changer," he enthuses. "Even my wife has noticed how positively motivated I've become."

Men's Sheds are community groups where men can gather, socialize, and dive into hands-on activities, all aimed at combating the mental health challenges that stem from social isolation and loneliness. And Wayne is just one of sixty members proudly associated with the Alouette Men's Shed, a true cornerstone of their community, bound together by the belief that men should stand shoulder to shoulder and lend each other a hand.

Thanks to a community grant from United Way British Columbia, the shed recently acquired essential health and safety equipment, along with major tools for their workshop located at a local church.

“We have been able to refer many newly retired men to the shed to prevent isolation from afflicting them while benefiting greatly from the projects that they take on,” shares Christian Cowley, one of the members.

The shed's contributions have extended well beyond their workshop walls. They've taken on numerous projects to improve their city's amenities. From fresh coats of paint in the office to replacing rotting stairs and ramps at the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society, their impact is evident. "We couldn't have afforded these 'upgrades' without the support of this incredible community group," expresses Tina Kirkpatrick, the Society Manager.

But it's not all work and no play at the Men's Shed. The group also gathers at the Well Restaurant in Chances Casino, where they seize the opportunity to socialize and enjoy each other's company. They've even organized engaging talks on topics like Dementia, Mental Health, Elder Abuse Prevention, and, intriguingly, building Bat Colonies with the help of a biologist.

For Wayne, this experience has been nothing short of transformative. It's brought him in touch with seasoned gentlemen, allowed him to acquire new skills, and given him a chance to contribute his own life wisdom to the organization. In fact, he feels the impact of the Men's Shed has been so profound that he's considering reducing his reliance on medication.

United Way BC has been instrumental in supporting Men's Sheds across British Columbia. It has granted 16 start-up funds for new sheds and provided 29 project grants to support existing ones.

(Wayne is pictured far left with his arm's crossed during a Men's Shed meetup at The Well).

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