The Shed in Mt Druitt is a suicide prevention centre focusing on disadvantaged men, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, who experience the worst health outcomes of any population in Australia. The Shed is a male-friendly space where males can share their stories in a non-judgemental environment that accepts them. "The Shed's values and intentions are to value and empower Aboriginal males and their families..."The Shed was established in 2004 as a partnership between the Western Sydney University, Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC) and the Holy Family Church at Mount Druitt.
The Shed provides support to men whom we consider to be at risk of serious stress and suicide, generally on account of cumulative stress often due to disadvantaged situations. Most of these men are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin since these are often the men most at risk.
Often the cause of distress lies in the cumulative effect of difficult life events and the workers at the Shed connect the men and their families with appropriate services and help guide them through the various processes of for example: housing, apprehended violence orders (AVOs), separation from children, employment, financial issues and so on.
Service providers can access men at the Shed, and are encouraged to view the Shed as the men's space, and not an extension of their offices.
The Shed in Mount Druitt: Addressing the Social Determinants of Male Health and Illness -2.79 MB-
Outlines the role of The Shed.
Related Links
Contact Information
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Men's Health Information & Resource Centre Prof John MacdonaldWestern Sydney University Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, NSW 2751 AustraliaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |