History

I started a Men's Shed in Lac Brome, Quebec in response to an article that appeared in a Senior's Magazine called "Good Times".  The article mentioned an organization called a "Men's Shed" which opened in Tongala, Victoria, Australia on 26 July 1998.  The aim of Men's Sheds is to promote the health and well being of senior men.  It is estimated that the number of Men's Sheds globally is approaching 3,000 operating in 12 different countries around the globe.

I moved to Pointe Claire in 2023 but soon missed the camaraderie and social interactions of the Shed.  I did extensive research and soon realized that a Men's Shed would be a good addition to the West Island. 

Fact:  Did you know that adults aged 75 and older have one of the highest suicide rates (20.3 per 100,000). Men aged 75 and older have the highest rate (42.2 per 100,000) compared to any other age group.

Non-Hispanic White men have the highest suicide rate compared to other racial/ethnic men in this age group (50.1 per 100,000).

My Personal Story

     My father and mother had just moved from their home in Peterborough, Ontario into a senior's apartment.  Shortly after, my mother died suddenly and my father found himself living alone after 67 years of marriage. 

     I watched as my father's health deteriorated and he became more isolated and lonely.  We tried moving my father closer on several occasions but he missed Peterborough (language was an issue in Quebec).  He would constantly express his desire to return to Peterborough, alone once again.   Eventually we gave in and moved him back to Peterborough.  He subsisted on Hungry Man Dinners for months (never learned to cook), his health was deteriorating and we finally convinced him to move into a senior's assistance apartment where he could at least receive regular meals and perhaps meet other seniors.  His apartment was very nice, on the ground floor with easy access to the outdoors.  My father's health continued to deteriorate, not because  of health issues  but primarily because of boredom, lonelinesss and isolation. 

     We tried to involve him in local activities in Peterborough (including the legion) but he declined all of our attempts.  During this time my father sent me a Senior's  Magazine called "Good Times" which featured an article about Men's Sheds.  I knew of several senior men that had commited suicide in my area and decided then and there that I would do everything in my power to start a Men's Shed to help alleviate the loneliness and isolation I was witnessing in my own home town.  It has now been 5 years since the establishment of the Men's Shed in Lac Brome.  My father continued to deteriorate and eventually passed away from Covid-19 in 2022. 

     The Lac Brome Men's Shed has been a struggle.  We opened up a workshop in the basement of a local retail outlet in 2020 but this closed down during the Covid outbreak.  We lost our meeting place and games room during that same period, once again due to Covid.  In 2023 we were offered a space where we could start rebuilding a workshop, a meeting space and a games room.  It has not been without it's challenges but we are still marching forward because of the needs of the community.  We perform a lot of volunteer services within the community, we work with local schools, we donate funds to local food banks, we hold activities that benefit the entire community.  In return, the support of the community has been overwhelming.  We offer support, friendship, companionship, activities, continuing education, guest speakers and any kind of hobby that is of interest to our members.  If you have questions please feel free to give me a call, or send me your contact information and I will get back to you as soon as possible.  Welcome to the West Island Men's Shed.

Danny Williams

450-242-1088

For further up to date news and  information, have a look at the West Island's Men's Shed Group on Facebook