Men's shed helps build new lives

Smaller blocks are making the backyard shed a thing of the past, but there is an alternative.

Community-based men's sheds have been springing up around the nation.

Among the latest is the Kwinana Community Men's Shed in Medina funded by the Salvation Army.

Assistant co-ordinator Bert Pooley said the facility was opened in response to the need for a meeting place and activity centre for men in the Kwinana area.

Retirees, widowers, the unemployed, the depressed and lonely rub shoulders with other creators of wood and metal projects, learning new skills and building communities of support.

Membership costs about $1 a week. The Salvos run a positive lifestyle program through the centre assisting those who want help with everything from anger management to health care, to overcoming grief or depression.