Secret men's business, grumpy old men

The focus of this paper is on issues facing men, particularly men in regional areas where the incidence of isolation, loneliness and depression are especially acute. Some relevant literature is reviewed. The potential role of 'men's sheds' in helping to overcome these problems is discussed, along with comments on the overall contribution that men's sheds can make to the community. The paper then discusses the potential of the Mensheds Australia network as a basis for the effective operation of individual men's sheds. It explains how an emerging quality assurance program can assure public and private supporters that the use of resources and programs are effective in advancing men's health and wellbeing.