Calling all handymen who like a chat!

Villa Maria is opening up a second Men’s Shed program for male carers in the eastern region.

Men’s Sheds provide male carers with a casual and relaxed environment where they can be productive and add value to the community, maintain an active body and mind and connect socially with others.

Not-for-profit aged and disability services provider Villa Maria has held a Men’s Shed at its White Road Activity and Respite Centre in Wantirna for many years. Some of the loved ones the men care for are regular visitors at White Road, which has a range of programs and activities for people aged over 65 years living in the east with an acquired physical disability, such as a brain injury or stroke, a visual or physical impairment, dementia, or who is frail aged.

The new Villa Maria shed program will offer men the chance to brush up on their woodworking, DIY and home maintenance skills, while forming social bonds with other men in similar caring roles.

Pictured is Ray Alexander, Claudio, Maurie, staff member Tony and Peter.

Boronia resident John, 65, has been attending the existing Tuesday Men’s Shed program, run in partnership with Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria (MIF), for about 12 months.

John, who helps care for his 39-year-old daughter who has intellectual disabilities, said his 11-member group enjoyed playing games of pool, sharing BBQ lunches and generally catching up.

“It’s about getting together with other men who are in the same situation and therefore everybody understands everyone else. It’s not like you go somewhere and you’re the only person who has an issue and you don’t like talking about it because of any reaction you might get.

“I’ve definitely made good friendships with the guys, and also with their spouses. As soon as I retired I started coming down here and the only reason I’ve missed a session is because we were on a holiday. I love it.”

Fellow Men’s Shed participant Peter, aged in his 60s, whose 30-year-old son has schizophrenia, said he really enjoyed the weekly visits to the Men’s Shed.

“I have a lot of respect for other people here who are going through the same thing, which has many challenges, and sometimes it feels like you’re up against a brick wall. It helps to talk to other people and I’ve made lots of friends,” he said.

Villa Maria Carer support worker, Ray Alexander, who also coordinates two Ladies Sheds for female carers at White Road, said the new Friday program would focus more on workshop activities, while still providing social opportunities.

“It’s a really nice environment here and the men who attend the Tuesday program are great at interacting socially and really look after each other.  The new group will be helping to redo the garden at White Road so it will be something not only they, but the people who visit White Road, can benefit from,” Mr Alexander said.

For more information about the Men’s Shed, call Villa Maria Carer Access on 1300 650 615.