Rostrevor Men’s Shed is proud to have taken part in the Sheds for Life programme — a national, community-based health promotion initiative created to support the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of Men’s Shed members across Ireland.

Developed by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) in 2016, Sheds for Life has grown in response to the needs, wishes, and feedback of Shedders throughout the country. Its vision is simple:

A future where all Men’s Shed members can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential.

Thanks to funding from the HSE, the programme is delivered free of charge and designed to make healthy living more accessible, enjoyable, and achievable for men of all ages.

What the Programme Involves

Sheds for Life is a 10-week programme, delivered one day per week, without disrupting regular Shed activities. To take part, each Shed commits to completing four core components and choosing at least two additional supplementary modules.

Rostrevor Men’s Shed fully embraced the programme — here’s what it involved:

Core Programme Components

A 20-minute one-to-one health check delivered by a nurse in the mobile health unit.

This included:

• Blood pressure check

• Pulse check

• Weight measurement

• Waist measurement

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

This gave members a private, supportive opportunity to gain insight into their health and ask questions.

A practical and enjoyable 6-week nutrition and cookery course delivered through the HSE.

Each 2.5-hour weekly workshop included:

• Basic nutrition education

• Cooking simple, healthy meals

• Learning to shop on a budget

• Understanding food labels

• Hands-on cookery sessions

Even Sheds without a full kitchen could take part thanks to portable cooking equipment provided by the tutors.

Sheds choose one of two fitness paths. Rostrevor Men’s Shed participated in:

Exercise for Shedders

A 10-week, 1-hour weekly class aimed at:

• Improving posture

• Increasing strength

• Enhancing flexibility

• Supporting balance

• Boosting overall physical capability.

Our Experience in Rostrevor

For Rostrevor Men’s Shed, Sheds for Life was more than a 10-week programme — it was an investment in our members’ health, confidence, and connection with each other.

It encouraged:

• Open conversations about wellbeing

• Healthier lifestyle choices

• Increased awareness of physical and mental health

• Greater camaraderie and shared experience

• A supportive, enjoyable learning environment

Since completing the programme, our Shedders have continued their wellbeing journey, holding Chi-Me classes every Tuesday morning, keeping the momentum of health, movement and mindfulness alive in the Shed.

We are grateful to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, the HSE, and all partner organisations who delivered the programme — and to every Shedder who took part with enthusiasm, humour, and commitment.