In the News (Videos)
|
This video was originally aired by WGN News on May 3, 2023. All rights belong to the original creator.
|
WGN9 News
May 3, 2023 Director of the U.S. Men`s Shed Association, Mark Winston, talks about the movement that started in Australia in the 1990s, to combat loneliness among retired men, which has grown to more than 2,500 sheds in a dozen countries. Men’s Sheds have given thousands of men around the world a new lease on life. |
|
|
Why a growing number of American men say they are in a 'friendship recession'
PBS NewsHour: Jan 17, 2024 American men are stuck in what’s been dubbed a friendship recession, with 20 percent of single men now saying they don’t have any close friends. More than half of all men report feeling unsatisfied with the size of their friend groups. Geoff Bennett traveled to Phoenix to take a closer look at the implications of male loneliness and how some men are confronting it. |
Podcasts
|
|
The Visible Man Podcast
Premiered Jul 30, 2022 Jeff chats with Mark Winston, the director of the US Men’s Shed Association, an international phenomenon that aims to help men and their mental health through “men’s innate need for activity.” The key to their popularity is best expressed in their motto: “Men don’t talk face to face, we talk shoulder to shoulder. |
|
|
Men Are Good! Podcast
Premiered Mar 30, 2023 Men’s Sheds in the US - Boston, MASS. Start-up Shed - Men are Good! Mar 30, 2023 Men’s Sheds started in the 1990’s in Australia and have been growing worldwide since that time. The US has been slower to respond than some other countries. Men in the U.S. have built about 60 sheds which is just a fraction of the more than 2000 sheds worldwide. Sheds have been a blessing for men who have faced isolation and a huge lack of male to male contact in recent decades. Nearly all of the men’s organizations have been opened to women thus starving men of male to male camaraderie. Of course at the same time women’s groups have proliferated in all imaginable ways. Men’s groups are forbidden, women’s groups are empowering. Go figure. We talk with Jeff Wolfsberg who is in the process of starting a shed in Massachusetts. We discuss sheds, the picture worldwide, the ways they are helping men, and get the inside info on Jeff’s work on getting a shed going in Massachusetts. (https://menaregood.com/ ) |
Articles
|
Senior volunteers tackle 100-page instruction manual to build shed for 'Raptor Ridge'
Senior volunteers tackle 100-page instruction manual to build shed for 'Raptor Ridge” "The shed is going to be a place where our raptors can get checked every day for health," said Samantha. Some nice donors named Carol and John Sanders gave the foundation a shed, but then the non-profit organization needed someone to put it together. "A huge instruction manual. I have not seen one that long in a long time," said Samantha. Volunteer Rich Greenamyer couldn't believe what he was looking at. "We had to find that bag which had all of those parts in it," said Rich. "This may be a little over our head, but we took it on." Rich is a 79-year-old resident at the Carlsbad By the Sea Retirement Community. He could be watching television but instead he's offering a good deed. "Well, that's why we do it, we don't want to watch TV," said Rich. Instead, he joined the Carlsbad Men's Shed Group and together they've assembled bikes for kids and served food to the hungry. |
|
Men’s Shed group to launch in North County by Steve Puterski, DiDonato said that while Carlsbad By The Sea is hosting the launch, the group will eventually become a member-sustained operation. Each group focuses on various topics, everything from woodworking to cars, gardening, fishing, or just friendly conversations.
“There really is no form-fitting mold. It’s more like a structure for people to connect, get together, and pursue activities of their interest,” DiDonato said. |
|
Retired men (and women) are finding camaraderie in Men's Sheds
At the end of 2019, David Mack was new to south Florida, new to retirement, and newly a widower. Earlier that year his wife, Suzanne, had received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and the couple had moved from Atlanta to be close to one of their sons and his family. Six months after their move his partner of 52 years was gone, and Mack was struggling. |
|
Men learn new skills, share life experiences as part of Men’s Shed movement
PALM BEACH GARDENS -- Peter Marcus’ wife kicked him out of the house for a good reason this year. A longtime sales and marketing executive with Clear Channel Communications, the Palm Beach Gardens resident had few close friends, and didn’t maintain an active social calendar. |
Local Sheds in the News
|
|
Hopkins' 'Men's Shed' touts community, camaraderie
Hopkins Men’s Shed, May 29, 2023 The members of Hopkins' chapter of "Men's Shed" banded together on Memorial Day to restore flags and crosses honoring fallen soldiers at the city's fire department. Kare 11 |
|
|
Shed Display at the St. Charles Public Library
A small group headed up by Greg Hill and Dan Ryan put together a display of what the Elgin Area Men's Shed is all about. |
|
|
|
Radio
|
Men learn new skills, share life experiences as part of Men’s Shed movement
Heard of something called the “Men’s Shed Movement?” It got its start in Australia, and the idea is to provide a gathering place to draw people for companionship — particularly seniors who can find themselves isolated after retirement. |
Global
|
|
Hanging out at the Tauranga Men’s Shed| Local Focus
After Retirement: From surgeons to school teachers, truckies to tradies—all are welcome at the Tauranga Men’s Shed. |
|
|
The Impact of Men's Sheds
Aug 9, 2024 (2:20) Members of Men's Sheds talking about the life-changing and life-saving power of Men's Sheds. |
|
|
Men's Sheds Association - Isolation Loneliness - Divorce
Jan 3, 2024 - What is a Men’s Shed? These are places found in most communities that encourages people who are seeking more social interaction as it’s an opportunity to bond with new friends over woodwork to benefit your town, village or city. We’ve created a series of videos for MSA highlighting common factors that drive people towards the shed & how this charity provides a service that money can’t buy. In this episode, Shed Head, Pete, goes into detail as to how divorce can cause isolation leading to all manner of problems, including alcohol abuse. UK Men’s Sheds provided him a chance to turn his life around and give him the socialisation he deserves and wants. |
|
|
Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men's Shed Story 2025
When the backyard shed has gone but the urge to make something remains, there's no better place to go than the Men's Shed. Contact with like-minded people who are happy to help with challenging projects makes this organization ideal for men feeling the loss of their beloved backyard sanctuary. |
|
|
Men's Shed Initiative in Australia
Chris Williamson Ever noticed how extraordinary situations bring people together in the simplest ways? Picture a retreat where wild feats of strength bond participants not through the activities themselves, but through the conversations these activities spark. Dive into a story of camaraderie that begins with the adrenaline and settles into the warmth of shared words. |
|
|
Irish Men's Sheds - Dr. Melinda Heinz
|
Musical
|
|
OPERA:
Shoulder to Shoulder Opera ClipUK Men's Sheds Association
This video was originally aired by the UK Men's Sheds Association on Feb 8, 2023. All rights belong to the original creator. |
Media Kit / Press Release / Journalist’s Resources
Media Resources
Welcome, journalists and storytellers!
The U.S. Men's Shed Association is proud to support the growing movement of community spaces — called “Men’s Sheds” — where older men gather, share skills, and find friendship.
Whether you’re working on a piece about physical health, aging, mental wellness, or community innovation, we’ve assembled everything you need to tell the story of Men’s Sheds in the U.S.
Whether you’re working on a piece about physical health, aging, mental wellness, or community innovation, we’ve assembled everything you need to tell the story of Men’s Sheds in the U.S.
About the U.S. Men's Shed Association and Local Sheds
The U.S. Men's Shed Association (USMSA) connects, supports, and promotes Men’s Sheds across the country. Men’s Sheds are community-based spaces where seniors come together to work on meaningful projects, learn new skills, offer their services to the community, and enjoy the benefits of camaraderie.
While founded and focused on men’s health, many Sheds offer space for all seniors; women may also be involved in Leadership, community outreach, events, She Sheds, Community Service Projects, and socialization activities. Some Men’s Sheds are DBA as Community Sheds.
Each local Shed is autonomous and decides on activities based on its Members’ interests.
While founded and focused on men’s health, many Sheds offer space for all seniors; women may also be involved in Leadership, community outreach, events, She Sheds, Community Service Projects, and socialization activities. Some Men’s Sheds are DBA as Community Sheds.
Each local Shed is autonomous and decides on activities based on its Members’ interests.
Why It Matters (research)
Social isolation is a growing health concern for older men. Sheds offer a proven way to improve mental and emotional well-being through doing, talking, and simply being together.
1. Loneliness is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day “Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” — U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy The Guardian+1Axios+1
2. Loneliness increases risk of heart disease and stroke “Poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk of disease, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.” — U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy The Guardian
3. Loneliness is a public health epidemic “Loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It's like hunger or thirst. It's a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing.” -- U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+1Business Insider+1
4. Men’s Sheds fill socioemotional voids “Men's Sheds appear to fill socioemotional voids among the men who attend them and can even act as therapeutic spaces.” — Heinz & Houghton, 2023 Informa Healthcare
2. Loneliness increases risk of heart disease and stroke “Poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk of disease, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.” — U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy The Guardian
3. Loneliness is a public health epidemic “Loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It's like hunger or thirst. It's a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing.” -- U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+1Business Insider+1
4. Men’s Sheds fill socioemotional voids “Men's Sheds appear to fill socioemotional voids among the men who attend them and can even act as therapeutic spaces.” — Heinz & Houghton, 2023 Informa Healthcare
Fast Facts
- USMSA founded: 2017 by Mark Winston, Board Chair 2025
- Worldwide Shed Movement started in 1993
- 3,500 (est) Sheds worldwide in 17 countries (counting Ireland, Scotland and Wales as independent countries having their own active national associations). Approx 200 are She Sheds/ Woman Sheds. The most rapid growth are Sheds in mainland UK and Canada. (per author Barry Golding: “Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement” and “Men’s Shed Movement: the Company of Men.”)
- Active Sheds in the U.S.: 20+ / 5+ Emerging
- Typical members: Men aged 55+, veterans, retirees, hobbyists. Average age at many Sheds: Members are in their 70s. Most Sheds have members in their 80s and some in their 90s.
- Shed activities: Woodworking, gardening, repairs, mentorship, community service projects, more! (Tours, Events, Trainings, Guest Speakers)
- Some local Sheds are 501c3 non-profits, some are not.
- Many were Founded by women.
- Most meeting space is donated! Senior Centers are hosting / offering Sheds meeting space. Shopping mall developers, apartment complex owners, city councils / businesses with unused warehouse space, real estate developers, and Parks & Rec. Depts. are also donating space. We can connect you to these landlords for great quotes.
- Not every Shed is a toolshed!
- Most/many accept donations of tools (example: widows cleaning out their deceased husband’s garage), most need funding, local meeting space, printing of handouts and flyers, community projects, meaningful service opportunities, small local grants, and collaborative endeavors with other local non-profits.
- We can give 1-to-1 support to help any man or woman who wants to launch a new Shed!
Media Contact
For interviews, quotes, or story ideas:
For interviews, quotes, or story ideas:
- Media Contact: Mark Winston
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone:
Photos, Logo, and PDF Resources (please contact Mark)
See our Local and Global stories shown above
Testimonials
See quotes that appear throughout this website
Videos and Podcasts about Sheds (great for background research!) – see the 4 links at the top of this page
“Starting Our Sheds” – 2 motivational stories in a magazine format
- USMSA Logo – PNG
- Photos of Sheds in Action – High Quality – ZIP FILE
- One-Page Fact Sheet – PDF
- Page of Quotes: Founder’s quotes, local Shed Leader’s quotes, Shedder’s testimonials, Research references
See our Local and Global stories shown above
Testimonials
See quotes that appear throughout this website
Videos and Podcasts about Sheds (great for background research!) – see the 4 links at the top of this page
“Starting Our Sheds” – 2 motivational stories in a magazine format
We look forward to working with you!
