More Men’s Sheds needed in Coquitlam, says organizer

There’s more work to be done and more men to help.

That was the message from Coquitlam Men’s Shed representative Mike Jennings, who emphasized the need for more sheds during a presentation to Coquitlam council Monday.

“The need in Coquitlam is already so great. There should be six to 10 Men’s Sheds in Coquitlam,” he said. “We would like to clone ourselves.”

The Coquitlam shed, which operates out of Norman Avenue, serves as: “an antidote for isolation,” Jennings said.

Men coping with retirement, bereavement, divorce, and loneliness can find camaraderie and a sense of purpose in the shed, Jennings explained.

“There’s no therapy in a Men’s Shed,” he said. “But there’s lots of research worldwide, that shows the efficacy of Men’s Sheds. It turns out that [when] doing meaningful projects together, shoulder to shoulder, men readily make friends.”

An enthusiastic supporter of the shed, Mayor Richard Stewart differed with Jennings on one point.

“You said there’s no therapy,” Stewart said. “I say crap. There’s all kinds of therapy there.”

Asked by Stewart what tangible support the city could provide, Jennings underscored the need for space.

“We’ve got all the expertise . . . to start a Men’s Shed tomorrow. All we need is that space,” he said.

While that place doesn’t need to be large, it does need to be available at little to no cost, he added.

While the space might not be in Coquitlam, Coun. Teri Towner assured Jennings there was interest in Men’s Sheds across Metro Vancouver.

“You should be hearing back, hopefully soon . . . for other potential sites,” she said. “You have allies here at the council table.”

Towner praised the initiative, telling Jennings that her father would have benefited from being part of a Men’s Shed.

“I think if my dad had access to something like this . . . he would have lived past 66,” she said.

Jennings concurred.

“Support for Men’s Sheds has an impact beyond the few dollars involved. It is an investment in health, including mental health, seniors, families, and communities. Men’s Sheds save lives. Ask any one of us.”