(Photo: Mens Shed Grande Prairie Facebook)

By Abby Zieverink

The Mens Shed

Men’s Shed support group opens in Grande Prairie

Jan 26, 2022 | 1:22 PM

A men’s woodworking support group has launched in Grande Prairie.

The Men’s Shed gives men the opportunity to connect with other men in the community in a safe and judgment-free zone while doing woodworking.

Richard Nasedkin, men’s support group facilitator says whether they are newly retired, new to the Grande Prairie area, or are feeling lonely and looking to pick up a hobby, they are welcome to drop in.

“The men’s shed is open to anyone 18 and older who would like to connect and have an opportunity to work in a workshop environment as a hobby,” he said.

“I found that there’s a lot of guys anywhere from 27 to 47 years old that are just having trouble connecting with people, or they’re living in a townhouse or apartment and they’re new to Grande Prairie and don’t have access to a shop of any sorts anymore, so they’re starting to feel lonely and isolated.”

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He says the idea is to provide men a space to connect with new people and try out woodworking, regardless of their experience.

“Even if they don’t have experience in woodworking, it’s quite easy to pick up, you can get it to become as complicated as you want it to be and it can be as simple as fixing the dining room chair,” added Nasedkin.

“We provide the tools, and they can build their friendships. It’s just a safe space for guys to meet, be themselves and be honest with each other and not have any insecurities.”

Nasedkin says the idea of a Men’s Shed first started in Australia roughly 15 years ago, as a way for seniors to connect with younger people in the community.

“They had shed’s in parks so they would meet at these sheds and would be able to share tools and share expertise and just make the newcomers a little bit more welcome, and it also made the seniors there feel a little bit more connected to their community.”

The Men’s Shed group in Grande Prairie meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at 11436 97 Ave in the Richmond Industrial Park.

Nasedkin says anyone with questions can reach out at 780-830-9717, or Facebook.