The Men’s Sheds movement: ‘People say men don’t talk… once you provide a safe space in which to do it, you can’t get them to shut up’

Not just fun and relaxing places to meet up with friends, Men’s Sheds are tackling isolation and mental health issues in communities throughout Ireland. We checked out the Bray service and spoke to members about its importance

The Men’s Sheds movement: ‘People say men don’t talk… once you provide a safe space in which to do it, you can’t get them to shut up’

Alex Meehan

It’s a chilly Thursday morning but inside Bray Men’s Shed, a wood-fired stove is burning, cups of tea are being poured and a welcoming atmosphere does a lot to dispel the cold. 

Around 15 men are catching up and chatting as they move around. A keep-fit class has just finished, and while some of them are settling in to read the paper and relax, others are making their way to a large workshop at the rear of the building.