The Australian Men’s Shed Association has joined with General Practice Registrars Australia and General Practice Student’s Network to improve community outcomes for older Australian Men in retirement.
Since 2007, the Australian Men’s Shed Association has grown to become the largest men’s representative organisation in Australia and Mr David Helmers (CEO) outlined how their association is leading a social inclusion movement that is breaking down the barriers for men in retirement.
“Men’s Sheds are a proactive initiative successful in preventing social isolation amongst men, one of the key contributors to poor health amongst the male population,” Me Helmers said. “This new partnership with General Practice Student’s Network (GPSN) will take us closer to our objectives as a preventative health initiative. Many organisations focus on reactive measures whereas ours is a promotion of health issues.”
“A focus needs to be on more preventative initiatives and our new partnership with GPSN will assist Men’s Sheds in the development and delivery of such initiatives.” Mr Helmers continued.
The Men’s Shed representative organisation has a strong focus on preventative health and has grown from strength to strength. It currently has more than 1000 sheds across Australia, representing 175 000 men. The organisation is looking at ways it can expand its network further to help more men.
GPSN National Chair, Mr Joseph Monteith said “Through the development of the National Male Health Policy, Men’s Sheds have already made a difference to the health and wellbeing of thousands of men, prevented social isolation and contributed to the development of many communities.
GPSN is proud to be partnering with the Men’s Sheds movement and I look forward to working with them to get medical students into Men’s Sheds around the country to promote positive health messages and encouraging this important community to actively seek better health outcomes.”
Dr David Chessor, GPRA Chair added, “This is an exciting new partnership for GPSN. This will bring great benefits to members of both organisations. GPSN members interested in careers in general practice will be given a great opportunity to engage positively with community, and gain experience in talking positively about men’s health.”
“We’re confident that medical students can be a valuable addition to Men’s Sheds around the country, and build on the great health promotion work that is already occurring,” Dr Chessor concluded.
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