Men’s Sheds Canada was pleased to be invited by the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association to participate in a panel discussion at the annual Grief, Bereavement and Mental Health Summit on November 20. MSC Board Member Jim Millar and fellow panelists discussed the need for men dealing with grief and loss to receive the accessible support they require, and ideas for improving the integration of grief and bereavement support services into health care systems and community settings.
As men age, major life changes such as widowhood, divorce and retirement often result in social isolation and loss of purpose that can adversely impact mental health and wellness. On the surface, a Men’s Shed is a place to build the connections and camaraderie that come with getting out of the house and engaging with others. But in a time of loss, the Shed community can become an invaluable support, offering a welcoming, safe and supportive environment where men create shared experiences and help each other through life’s most difficult challenges.