Improving Mens Health Through Mens Sheds

Question: Describe about the Improving Mens Health Through Mens Sheds. Answer: Introduction The health of men in Australia is comparatively poorer than that of women. Notably, unemployed, retired, uneducated men with little knowledge on health, and from poor economic backgrounds suffer from chronic diseases in the form of mental health. The high risk of poor mens health is caused by the lack of services offered in specific and friendly environments to the male which hinders the delivery of medical services. Consequentially, mens sheds programs were introduced to help in providing emotional, social and health benefits to participants (Wilson and Whatley 2013). The objective of this paper, therefore, is to help in a better comprehension of the influence of mens sheds on the well-being and social status of indigenous males. As a result, the methods of study utilized in understanding and evaluating its effect involved a comprehensive analysis of Australia and focus groups with members of mens shed. According to the studys outcomes, indigenous males experienced both positive and negative effects of the program since its introduction. Arguments for Men's Sheds programs This focuses on the positive implications of men's sheds programs on men, families, partners and the community at large. The benefits of men's shed programs amongst many others include; Providing support to men suffering from mental and devastating illnesses Statistics on health point to the fact that many men in Australia suffer mental illnesses and lack the needed care and support in coping with the disease. Men's sheds provide care and support programs to make them feel appreciated (Moylan and Robinson 2015). Easing the shift of men from permanent employment to other duties in retirement The majority of sheds have workshops that contain machinery and tools used in the construction and repair of different types of products.as a result many men engage in crafts, repair of machinery that are old and refurbishing computers. Additionally, they provide work experience and development skills usable in the long run to the unemployed men in the organization. Linking men with no regular medical contact to the health systems Indigenous men usually lack contact with the healthcare systems due to strain in finances and as such, they feel neglected. The men's shed program, however, unites the men through education based programs that sensitize them in the need for embracing information on health. This has been ensured by eradicating female-dominated health services and using a better approach in reaching the men (Golding and Carragher 2015). Forming a platform where men interact and engage in activities to promote their health conditions Through well-managed groups, men open up about their issues including those on health and address them in the company of families, health providers and friends. This is mostly manifested in rural settings where men prefer learning delivered in less official, structured, real group situations they are comfortable with. Building principles in mens shades where trust and respect are considered Often, men delay pursuing health facilities and advice because of the nature of hospitals being dominated by female professionals whom they are not comfortable talking to. Therefore mens sheds should offer better mechanisms to help in making men comfortable and wanted in the organization (Langton and West 2016). Enhancing the finding of health problems in men Men's sheds assist in identification of prolonged illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and emotional and mental health problems such as loneliness, low self-esteem, and boredom alike. Through this, they help in promoting the social and economic health of the people and community at large (Lorig and Rowe 2013). Social benefits of the program Mens sheds programs have assisted in helping men have a sense of purpose, accomplishment, control, engagement, self-esteem and support. These have been manifested through learning new skills, contribution to the community, participation in activities, interaction with others and feeling loved by everyone (Wilson and Cordier 2013). Arguments against Men's Sheds programs This seeks to look into the challenges facing the implementation of the mens sheds program and to explain the reasons as to why people dont have faith in it. These following concerns have been raised by the public. The Loss of ownership of the mens shed initiative at the local level The main reason why older men prefer Mens Sheds is that they feel a sense of ownership over the scheme, contributing to the effective operation of the program. However, men feel that the shed is theirs and they can directly influence the operations of the program and formulate laws governing them. They do these despite the fact that the program is under the guide of another organization, hence the lack of a recognized ownership and determination at the grassroots. Lack of democracy in the men's shed program It is essential for each and every association to have a democratic process that is incorporated into its systems. This will ensure that everyone irrespective of age and status participates in the running of the organization in one way or another. However, there is no democratic process in the men's shed as it does not accommodate the contribution of the older men when concerns are raised. The bureaucratic nature and interference in the mens shed Just the same way the lack of democracy and ownership, interference and bureaucracy nature also contribute much to dissatisfactions in the mens shed. Usually, this becomes a This especially becomes a threat if the bureaucracy holds the sole responsibility of allocating grant money and guiding the shed.it is important for the bureaucracy to recognize that the shed is meant for the indigenous men and as a result should be run by the participants themselves and not them (Southcombe and Bartram 2015). The problem of over-formalization of the program The mens sheds principles are complicated and very difficult to understand to the men and the public who are interested in their operations. This contradicts the main reason why men find the sheds environment secure and comfortable to settle in which is its informality as they are able to follow the rules and regulations (Hansji and Cordier 2015). As a result, it was observed that men prefer informality to a strict procedure that may strain the ability of men to adapt to frequently changing needs. Lack of services offered to men Over the course of time, it has been observed that mens sheds do not provide services in its goals to men but rather it's merely an organization by men. The goals of the scheme are to offer services to men and help them realize their potential, that is for the unemployed and safeguard the interests of the old folks. This should serve to contradict the usual contemporary feeling where people view that they are friendly places where people choose to go. The conversion of mens sheds into health centers Mens Sheds should not be considered as medical centers or stations for providing health services as they are perceived lately by the public. However, at the discretion of the members of the shed, health educators and practitioners can be invited to give education to the people on medical services. The factor that has contributed to this phenomenon is that the members of the health sheds have improved health outcomes as opposed to non-members hence the intervention of the government in these procedures. Some mens sheds are focused solely on making profits Frequently a number of men's sheds lose focus and concentrate on making financial profits rather than considering the plight of men, a money dimensional approach. This is a negative impact on people in the organization as most men are retired from permanent employment and seek to live a stress-free life rather than contributing to the finances of the organization (Oliffe and Han 2014). Lack of inclusiveness in the scheme Men's sheds have been accused of being discriminative of the members that constitute its organization and that membership is based on beliefs and background of an individual. This is unlike other big schemes that admit people irrespective of ethnicity or religion hence making the public lose confidence in it. Lack of sufficient insurance covers Insurance covers are of utmost importance in the preparation of combat organization associated risks and as such it is undeniably evident that mens sheds should have them. Mens sheds should have insurance covers to ensure a long sustainability and the efficient running of operations in the organization and to cover for the interests of other members. Rampant nature of occurrence of accidents and injuries in the organization This phenomenon had been seen and experience by a majority of visitors to the scheme and has called for its subsequent closure. An organization usually owes a standard and duty of care to its customers and employees and in this situation where the public and men are serviced, they are entitled to protection. Evidently, it is the role and responsibility of all members of the shed to report a breach of the duty of care to the relevant authorities and not to wait for an accident to happen. The problem of poor governance and obedience The constitution of mens sheds is not being followed, which results in poor decision-making practices and management of the organization. There is the need for sensitization and education of the members on the provisions of the constitution of the sheds so that all members are aware of its demands to avoid further violations of the laws. Conclusion In conclusion, the initiative of mens shed has unlocked avenues for many significant results in the health and welfare of men being accomplished in Australia, plus those of the natives. Moreover, the structure of mens sheds provides for where men learn, share health and related information, socialize and support one another with personal and community comfort. For men not in connection with the medical system, this program enhances their ability to improve their health standards as they receive special attention since they are considered vulnerable. Despite the fact that there are different health spaces for indigenous men, the men's shed program still proves of much more benefits to them. Therefore men's sheds program is essential for the improvement of the health standards of the men in Australia as this paper outlines. References Cavanagh, J., McNeil, N. and Bartram, T., 2013. The Australian Men's Sheds movement: human resource management in a voluntary organization. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 51(3), pp.292-306. Cordier, R. and Wilson, N.J., 2014. Mentoring at Men's Sheds: An international survey about a community approach to health and well?being. Health social care in the community, 22(3), pp.249-258. Culph, J.S., Wilson, N.J., Cordier, R. and Stancliffe, R.J., 2015. Men's Sheds and the experience of depression in older Australian men. Australian occupational therapy journal, 62(5), pp.306-315. Flood, P. and Blair, S., 2013. Mens sheds in Australia: Effects on physical health and mental well-being. 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