The New Beginnings Men’s Shed is a Shed true to its name. After experiencing a tragic house fire, Brent Goetz sought connection with others, eventually meeting with the former president of Men’s Sheds Canada. They talked over coffee about the value of Men’s Sheds, and, inspired by their conversation, Brent signed up to become a Shedder with Vanderhoof Men’s Shed.
Though he went through periods of burnout that lead him to be less talkative and open than usual, Brent always felt welcome during the two years he spent with the Shed: “What was amazing was in all the time I attended there, not once did any of the guys ask me what I did for a living. It wasn’t relevant. I just basically sat there and watched and observed the amazing feeling of camaraderie they’ve created for their members.”
When Brent moved to Prince George, BC, he knew that he wanted men in his new community to have the same welcoming and safe space he had with Vanderhoof Men’s Shed. Working alongside the Canadian Mental Health Association and the mayor of Prince George, he founded the Prince George Men’s Shed, which became a huge success. The only thing better than one Shed for a large and growing community, though, is two Sheds!
“I joke, but I said that every neighborhood that has a McDonalds should have a Men’s Shed,” said Brent.
New Beginnings Men’s Shed, a second Shed for the city of Prince George, launched in a spacious former carpentry shop. It became the perfect space for gatherings and woodworking projects, fostering a welcoming environment where men can just be themselves. Brent shares that, as a therapist, it is extremely important for him to be able to leave his “therapist hat” at the door. In his words, “When I’m in the Shed, I’m just a guy.”
Today, New Beginnings Men’s Shed serves as an example for other burgeoning Sheds. They’re part of the Men’s Shed Association of British Columbia’s mentorship program, which connects established Sheds with newly launched Sheds to help them get their Shed off the ground. As part of the mentorship program, New Beginnings travelled to William’s Lake to support a new Shed there. Brent acknowledged the value of this mentorship program in creating a connection beyond one’s Shed — the door has stayed open for continued collaboration, and New Beginnings continues to receive updates about and talk with William’s Lake Men’s Shed.
With Sheds popping up across the country, one might ask: who can join a Shed? Brent weighed in: “Do you know how to drink coffee and have a conversation? Then come on in!” A Shed is a place where anyone is welcomed with open arms.
As a final note, Brent shared his advice when it comes to founding a Men’s Shed. “Never give up,” he said. “Network with your provincial organization, because they will support you.”
You can keep up with New Beginnings Men’s Shed on Facebook.