Health Insight
Men’s health is receiving growing attention in Canada. The Movember Institute’s Real Face of Men’s Health report found that nearly 75,000 men in Canada died before age 75 in 2023, many from causes considered preventable. Alongside access to health care, there is growing recognition of the importance of social connection, purpose, and belonging to men’s wellbeing.
One effective community-based approach is growing quickly across Canada: Men’s Sheds. These grassroots spaces bring men—primarily older men—together around shared interests, practical activities, volunteering, and simply spending time together. The movement began in Australia in the 1990s and has since spread to more than 20 countries. Today, Men’s Sheds Canada connects and supports more than 210 Sheds across the country.
A Different Way to Connect
Life changes such as retirement, changes in health, losing a partner, or moving to a new community can disrupt familiar routines and relationships. For some men, traditional seniors’ programs may not feel like a natural fit. A local Shed offers another way to get involved, in a setting shaped by the interests and needs of its own community.
There is no single model. Some Sheds have woodworking workshops or gardens; others gather around hobbies, community projects, shared skills, or a coffee and conversation. Men can come to learn something, lend a hand, share their experience, or simply to enjoy the company.
The emphasis is on participation, not on asking men to talk about personal challenges. Connection often develops “shoulder to shoulder,” through doing things together. Over time, relationships and trust can grow, creating opportunities for conversations about health and wellbeing to happen naturally. This is sometimes described as “health by stealth.”
“I know first-hand that having a place where you’re known, valued, and useful can make a real difference to your sense of belonging and wellbeing,” says Dr. Robert Goluch, Chair of Men’s Sheds Canada. “For many older men especially, asking for help can feel like admitting something is wrong. As we get older, our circles of connection can change, and loneliness can become a real issue.”
The Value of Belonging
Men’s Sheds Canada’s 2025 Shedder Survey offers insight into members’ experiences. Among respondents, 65.9 percent reported experiencing loneliness or isolation before joining a Shed, while 74.3 percent reported a strong sense of belonging afterward. A further 58.1 percent reported improved mental wellbeing, and 46.1 percent reported receiving informal mental health support or advice through their involvement.
These self-reported findings offer a glimpse of what Men’s Shed participation can mean: opportunities to contribute, share knowledge, develop friendships and feel valued.
Canada’s forthcoming Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, expected in early 2027, reflects growing recognition of the need to better support men’s health. Community-based initiatives such as Men’s Sheds illustrate how connection and participation can complement formal health and social services.
Men’s Sheds are not a substitute for professional care. They offer a welcoming low barrier place where men can take part at their own pace, share their skills, and find meaningful ways to contribute. For many, it starts with a shared activity or a cup of coffee—and a reason to keep coming back.
To learn more, please visit mensshedscanada.ca
