Forum Discussion

Hi Sheree, the best way to start a men club up is do a surfay and get their ideas as to what they would like to do,you should get results then. Make pizza with the men and have a cold beer for them they will love you for this, then set back and listen to there ideas. Have fun.

Start up a men's shed. Get some volunteers to help with making some wooden items, such as bird houses, dolls cradles etc.

Have a combined mens BBQ, with a few beers, and get in a guest speaker or take a bus load to a park for a sausage sizzle. You can buy a cheap putting green which we did, and the men love this activity. Families donated putters and golf balls. Get the guys to grow some vegetable plants ie: tomato plants, spinach strawberries and get them to look after them.

Hi There , I use a basket with wood items or just plain pieces ( not too rough) and foam sanding blocks . My guys usually very happy to sand them for me a little so I can use them for painting . I also use men's hankies they fold for me and socks. Some men like to put the "bills" into (used recycled) envelopes for me to be able to mail them , this goes for the ladies as well, all are meaningful activities and often relate to the background of people. Hope that helps ( I am new here) but like to share some experiences.

How about showing them some movies e.g James bond or playing pools.

I have a male volunteer come in and run our mens group, they have veggie gardens, he brings in remote control cars, the men love this activity as they seem to relax more without the women, it is their time.

Hi Sheree, I asked people to bring in some old tools and such and had a small mens group of different cognitive levels. We even had someone bring in the old dial phones. We also have a car racing set and get the men to put that up and race cars. How about reminiscing and just organise a "Getting to Know You"afternoon about their past work history. I agree having some food, beer or wine in a relaxed atmosphere is a good start. At times it can take some time for men to commence to relate to one another but when they do it is great.

We have set up a men's Backysrd in our Aged Care facility.

We now have a garden shed a volunteer and myself who assists with making wooden items. Bird feeders , birds nesting boxes,
Tiling tables. We made cat boxes for our cats to sleep in. Sort and reminisse with donations of old tools and nuts n bolts.
Ask your kitchen to save the big tins and see through cintainers with lids.

You can start with an old wooden coffee table and have the men sand it and the next week apply varnish. I was taught by Dementia Specific clients on how to apply the varnish correctly.

Yes you do need to donate or get donations to start. Put up notices or advertise in your news letters, resident and relative meetings etc..