Laois PPN, in collaboration with Healthy Laois, received a heartfelt welcome from the Portlaoise Men’s Shed, Mountmellick Men’s Shed, and Knock Vintage and Men’s Shed during Men’s Health Week 2025.
This year’s national theme “Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health” highlighted the importance of connection, support, and health awareness among men.
In Laois, this message was brought to life through visits to local Men’s Sheds, where health conversations were shared, resources signposted, and community spirit celebrated.
Men’s Sheds play a vital role in providing safe, welcoming spaces for men to come together, build friendships, and learn new skills.
Whether it’s making something out of wood, sharing a story over a cup of tea, or collaborating on a community project these sheds are about connection, creativity, and wellbeing.
A common thread among all three visits was a warm welcome and the familiar introduction of the kettle as “the most important tool in the shed.”
Members also acknowledged the importance of ongoing support from funding providers, which has enabled a wide variety of projects and training opportunities.
In particular, the woodworking training and certification provided by LOETB has helped many members gain valuable skills and confidence to complete high-quality work.
Mountmellick Men’s Shed felt like walking into a home — with photographs lining the walls, a wood burner glowing in the meeting room, and a real buzz in the air.
Members are currently working on an exciting project with Laois County Council.
“We are very proud to be asked to work on the project for Laois County Council and delighted to share our progress with Laois PPN and Healthy Laois.
“Thank you for raising awareness of the supports that are available for men in Laois,” said Tom Gorry, Secretary, Mountmellick Men’s Shed.
Portlaoise Men’s Shed recently relocated to the historic Old School in Raheen and are busy transforming the space through repairs, painting, and restoration.
With the move, they’ve also adopted a new name — The Old School Men’s Shed — and look forward to expanding their community work.
“We would like to thank Laois PPN and Healthy Laois for visiting and providing advice and supports during Men’s Health Week 2025. We look forward to settling into the Old School and offering its use to the wider community,” said Roger Harmsworth, Secretary, The Old School Men’s Shed.
At Knock Vintage & Men’s Shed, members showcased their impressive workshop, garden, and geodome — even offering a live welding demonstration, where the sparks truly flew!
“Thank you for visiting our Shed during Men’s Health Week, we were delighted to show you around our Shed, and practice welding,” said Brian Brennan, Chairperson, Knock Vintage & Men’s Shed.
Emma O’Connor of Healthy Laois, Laois County Council, shared:
“The theme of Men’s Health Week this year, ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health’, really resonated with what we witnessed in each of the sheds.
“To support men, a practical ‘Action Man’ manual is available to download from the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland at mhfi.org. The support is available in shedloads here in Laois.
“It has been a pleasure to meet the groups and see the fantastic work being carried out.”
Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-ordinator, added: “Laois PPN would like to thank the members of the Men’s Sheds for their warm welcome and generosity in sharing their stories and work.
“Special thanks to Emma O’Connor from Healthy Laois for her collaboration this week to raise awareness around men’s health and the range of supports available throughout the county.”
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