This article is from page 25 of the 2014-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 25 JPG
THE provision of a safe space where men can talk openly about issues of mental health can help address such as isolation and depression, a meeting has heard.
Frank McNamara, facilitator of the Ennis Men’s Shed, was speaking at the opening of the ‘No Man an Island’ conference in Ennis on Saturday night.
The conference, the first of its kind to be held in Ireland, was organised by members of the Ennis Men’s Shed. Mr McNamara was one of those who set up the Ennis Men’s Shed in Hermitage last year.
Outlining the aims of the initiative, Mr McNamara said, “It is hoped that the well being of its members will be improved and issues such as isolation and lack of self esteem and self worth can be addressed. In tackling these issues it’s not just the shedders that benefit but also their families and the wider community. It gives the men something to focus their time and energy on, which in turn promotes healthier more productive relationships with their partner and / or children.”
Mr McNamara said a meeting at the West County Hotel in May 2013 kickstarted the movement in Ennis. With support from a Clarecastle businessman and Ennis man Tony Mulqueen, who supplied premises, the shed was established at Centrepoint, Hermitage.
“We are now 10 months on and the Ennis Men’s Shed wouldn’t be where it is today without the support and backing of Tony and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him.”
Mr McNamara told the conference that the shed is open to all men over 18. He said the Ennis Men’s Shed committee has received fantastic support from the community, the Clare / Limerick Education Training Board and Clare Arts Council.
He added. “With the Ennis Men’s Shed going from strength to strength and in order for the shed to have the positive impact on the local community that its committee and members envisage, it is vital that we link in fully with other community support groups and government agencies so they have a confidence in suggesting Ennis Men’s Shed as an option to those presenting with issues such as depression isolation, exclusion etc.”