Men’s Shed coming to Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Men’s Shed Association of British Columbia is coming to Fort St. John for men’s health and well-being.

On November 16th at 2 p.m., the Mackenzie and Fraser Lake Men’s Sheds will be hosting a meeting at the Pomeroy Sport Centre to share information about Men’s Sheds, how they started and what they do.

The meeting is open to anyone who has an interest in the initiative.

Mike Jennings, the president of the Men’s Shed Association of British Columbia, says Men’s Shed decided to try to come to Fort St. John after being contacted by a local man who believes the initiative will benefit the community.

Other Men’s Sheds in the province include Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, two in Prince George, and one just starting in McBride. 

The next location they’re aiming for is William’s Lake.

According to Jennings, the initiative is about men getting together in a safe space to benefit their health and well-being, but the space isn’t the focus.

“When we talk about a shed, we automatically think of an actual space, but really, it’s about men getting together, and the place is not so important,” Jennings said.

The people who run the sheds often try to create the best possible place to meet, which in B.C. includes woodworking or metalworking shops, music lessons, carving or a choir.

“It’s really up to the membership, what their interests are, and then creating a suitable space,” Jennings said.

The president says Men’s Sheds don’t offer therapy, but the space is therapeutic.

The initiative started in Australia in the 90s by a lady who was concerned about the men in her community, particularly the suicide rate.

There are now 3,000 Men’s Sheds worldwide, 1,200 in Australia and 80 in Canada, over half of which are in British Columbia, Jennings said.

When Jennings was 71 years old, he knew he would be retiring in the next year or so, and he lived in a small apartment at the time.

“I didn’t think I would last very long,” Jennings said.

“Here I am, eight years later, the president of [Men’s Shed Association] B.C., very active with Men’s Sheds because I believe so strongly in it.”

According to Jennings, being a member of a Men’s Shed only has two requirements: A yearly dues fee and respect, and the price varies between $20 and $200 a year, depending on the shed.

Jennings says there are three components for starting a Men’s Shed in a community.

The first is “a few good men” or as little as two willing to put in the effort required to establish a Men’s Shed within their community. 

The second is finding a place to meet at least once a week for little or no cost.

“The third leg is money, and people often think this is going to be a big problem, but actually, it turns out to be the smallest of problems. Money is available,” Jennings said.

If a Men’s Shed is started in Fort St. John, a $1,000 startup grant administered by United Way BC can be applied for.

Once a Men’s Shed is established, a $10,000 project grant can be applied for as well, for tools, materials, or building benches.

“The project grant can also be used to do projects in the community to work in collaboration with others, to building a small community garden or some park benches,” Jennings explained.

Those interested in a Men’s Shed in Fort St. John are encouraged to attend the meeting on November 16th at 2 p.m. at the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

For more information on the Men’s Shed Association of British Columbia, follow its Facebook page or visit its website.