The Men's Shed Organization began in Australia in the 1990s. Since then, the grassroots movement has expanded to over 15 countries. Here in Canada, Men's Sheds have been growing steadily since the early 2000s. We now have four provincial Shed associations and over 130 Sheds across ten provinces - and there's still plenty of room to grow.
Simply put, a Men's Shed is a space for men to connect, share skills, and support one another.
As men age or retire, they often experience loneliness or a loss of purpose. Men's Sheds offer a place to connect-whether through woodworking, hobbies, or just conversations-often shoulder to shoulder in a workshop-like setting.
"The Men's Shed is symbolic of that backyard workshop where men tell stories, build things, and rebuild themselves."
Right now, we're just a small group of men in Cowichan looking for a makerspace - a shared workshop - where we can bring people together, work on personal and community projects, and grow the Shed movement locally.
Our goal is to support the social determinants of men's health:
We were previously sponsored by CBIS, but during a recent restructuring, we lost our space and some momentum. Now we're regrouping and actively seeking:
We're building an inclusive Shed - welcoming all men aged 19+, regardless of background or experience. We especially want to include:
If you identify as male and are looking for a place to belong, you're welcome here.
While Men's Sheds serve a unique purpose, some areas have also started She Sheds to meet similar needs. Learn more about one example here: 👉 Vernon She Shed
Right now, we need:
Email us at: info@cowichanmensshed.ca
Tell us who you are, what you're into, and how you might want to get involved.
Check out these amazing videos: 👉 BC Men's Sheds Videos