08/09/2025
Written by Philip, Secretary Te Puke Menshed.
What the Shed means to us
There’s a quiet shift that happens as we age.
Tasks that once came easily now take more effort.
The mind still races with ideas, but the body doesn’t always keep pace.
For many of us, that change brings frustration, even grief. We’ve spent a lifetime being independent—fixing things, building things, helping others.
Asking for help doesn’t come naturally.
That’s where the Shed steps in.
Not just as a place to work with timber and tools, but as a space to reconnect with purpose, camaraderie, and dignity.
One member said recently, “I wouldn’t know how to pass the time of day if it weren’t for the Shed.” That sentiment echoes through our community.
The Shed offers more than a distraction—it’s a lifeline. A place where the hard realities of ageing, depression, and loneliness are met not with silence, but with shared stories, laughter, and the steady rhythm of hands at work.
We don’t always talk about the tough stuff.
But we feel it, and in the Shed, we find ways to carry it together.
Whether it’s helping a mate lift something heavy, sharing a cuppa, or simply showing up—these small acts remind us that we’re not alone.
The Shed is not just about what we build. It’s about what we rebuild in ourselves and each other. Confidence. Connection. Meaning.
So if you’re finding it a battle some days, know this: you’re not the only one, and you’re always welcome here
