PHOTOS: Laois PPN highlights the benefits of Men’s Sheds during Men’s Health Week

To coincide with Men’s Health Week, Laois PPN recently paid visits to Men’s Shed groups across Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, and Portarlington, highlighting the vital role they play in supporting men’s health and community connection across the county.

The visits took place with coordination from Laois County Council and featured a week-long calendar of events aimed at promoting positive physical and mental health for men across the county.

Laois PPN highlighted the vital role Men’s Sheds continue to play in supporting positive mental health, social connection, and community engagement among men of all ages.

“Each Shed provides a welcoming, informal environment where members can meet, share skills, and support one another in a relaxed and inclusive setting,” a representative of Laois PPN told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“This year’s Men’s Health Week theme, ‘one step at a time – focusing on progress rather than perfection’, strongly reflects the ethos at the heart of Men’s Sheds across Laois. The theme promotes the importance of small, sustainable steps toward better wellbeing, rather than focusing on pressure for immediate or perfect outcomes,” they said.

“Men’s Sheds naturally embody this approach by encouraging gradual progress through participation, conversation, and shared activity. Whether members are involved in woodworking, gardening, repair projects, or simply enjoying a chat over tea, the emphasis is on routine, connection, and belonging. “

The visits highlighted a range of key benefits provided by Men’s Sheds, including reducing social isolation and loneliness, supporting mental wellbeing through informal peer connection, encouraging practical skill-sharing and purposeful activity , providing a non-judgmental space for open conversation and strengthening community ties at local level.

 Laois PPN Co-Ordinator, Dan Bergin praised Laois Men’s Sheds for the community they provide to locals.

“Men’s Sheds are a vital part of community life in Laois. They provide a welcoming space where men can connect, talk, and take part in meaningful activity at their own pace,”” Mr Bergin said.

“The Men’s Health Week theme, ‘one step at a time,’ really reflects what these groups are about — small, steady steps that make a real difference to wellbeing over time,” he finished.

Laois PPN acknowledged the ongoing dedication of volunteers and members who continue to keep these Men’s Sheds active, welcoming, and community-focused.

The network highlighted that their visits reinforced the importance of supporting and sustaining such spaces as part of wider efforts to improve men’s health and wellbeing across the county.

For more information on local Men’s Sheds or community wellbeing initiatives, please contact Laois PPN.