Men need a home

By Bridget Cook
The Cranbourne-Casey Men’s Group, which currently has seven members, say they need to relocate to a larger premise so they can expand their services and accommodate the 15-plus men on the waiting list.
Secretary and treasurer Glenn Foster said there was a huge demand for men’s shed groups in the area.
“We have about 15 people on the waiting list and we currently receive two to three calls a week from people looking for a place to go,” he said.
Mr Foster said while there are currently another two Men’s Shed groups in Cranbourne, they did not meet the demand.
The Valepark Community Centre has a group, which operates for three hours a week, not on school holidays and caters for up to eight men. There’s also a Men’s Shed in a Junction Village retirement village, which caters for its residents.
“What we are endeavouring to do is have it opened at least three days a week and be open to all men in the community,” Mr Foster said.
“We would have specialised programs for the elderly, disabled and indigenous.
“As well as doing woodwork activities, we would run information sessions on topics including depression, diabetes and men’s health.”
Mr Foster said Men’s Shed groups were of great benefit to the community, as was their group, which has been running for about two and a half years.
“It’s proved a great environment where men can get together and talk to other men.
“As well as the health and wellbeing benefits, it gives men something to do and someone to talk to.
“You only have to go to your local shopping centre and see the amount of men sitting there doing nothing.
“A lot of men aren’t as sociable as women and this is a great way to interact with others.
“When a lot of guys finish work, they lose friends because their friends were their work mates.”
In August this year, Casey council passed a resolution to offer its support to the group in relation to facilities and future opportunities.
City of Casey Community Strengthening Manager Janette Green said the council also resolved that when State Government funding was announced, an application with Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre and the Cranbourne-Casey Men’s Shed group be considered.
“Council has investigated options for the Cranbourne-Casey Men’s Shed however, due to the group’s request to be located in the Cranbourne area options are limited until funding becomes available,” she said.
To make a donation or to sponsor the Cranbourne-Casey Men’s Shed contact Mr Foster on 0437 007 077.