Next week in Edmonton, we are excited to gather for ShedFest West, to bring together more than 125 Shedders from across Western Canada for peer-to-peer learning, connection, and collaboration.
At the centre of this year’s gathering is the presentation of new national research on Men’s Sheds and their impact on men’s health and wellbeing.
Led by HelpAge Canada, the study highlights the role Men’s Sheds are playing in strengthening social connection, reducing isolation, and supporting improved mental wellbeing among older men across the country.
These findings come at a time when Canada is engaged in an important national conversation about men’s and boys’ health, and the growing challenges of loneliness, social isolation, and mental health among older men.
What the research reinforces is the importance of community-based, peer-led environments in supporting wellbeing—particularly for men who may not always connect with traditional health or social services.
ShedFest West provides an opportunity not only to share these findings, but to reflect on what they mean for communities across Canada as the movement continues to grow. More detailed findings from the study will be shared following the event.