Men’s community hub step closer

Port Hedland has joined the ranks of one of the fastest-growing organisations in Australia as a Men’s Shed committee was formed last month.

The men’s not-for-profit organisation formed a standing committee last week to bring a new form of support and socialising to the Pilbara.

Elected chairman Chris Sharp-Nippierd said he was excited for the things the shed’s committee could bring to the community.

“I’ve only been here about six months and when I looked up online to see no Port Hedland branch, I knew it was something I wanted to help start and grow,” he said. “There’s not a lot of options in town for men who aren’t into things like sport to go to and socialise and that can take its toll, so that’s why it was important for me personally to help get the ball rolling.”

Not simply a building to make furniture, the not-for-profit aims to be a men’s health initiative in its various branches across WA.

Men’s Sheds of WA chairman Mike Wiggin said the sheds ran along similar lines to the Act Belong Commit initiative.

“What we know is most men are much less likely to open up in an environment that contains men and women than an environment that contains only men,” he said.

“If you get them into a group in a shed, don’t tell them to talk about health issues, just make things with their hands, guys start talking and realise they aren’t the first person to get diagnosed with an issue and that there are resources available and other people know how to help them.”

Now with a steering committee formed, the Port Hedland branch is ready for action and Mr Sharp-Nippierd said getting a place to build was first on the group’s agenda. To get involved in the shed, email phms.wa@outlook.com.