Dapto Community Farm is launching a new program this spring designed for men aged over 55 – the Men's Garden Shed. This six-week program offers a therapeutic and practical way for men to get their hands dirty, grow fresh produce and connect with other local blokes.
"When you talk to people who are out gardening, regardless of their gender, it's always very calming to work outside and see the products of your work," says Paddy Phillips, a local social work Masters student at UOW on placement at Dapto Community Farm.
The program aims to create a welcoming alternative to a traditional men's shed, offering a space where conversation can bloom naturally.
"Conversation comes up much more easily alongside something practical like gardening. Those informal conversations can start and that's where something really meaningful and special can come out of this," says program organiser Taleya Morris-Silk, a social work student from Thirroul.
The Men's Garden Shed program, funded by a grant from Clubs NSW, aims to put 100 men through its two sessions this year. Dapto Community Farm vice-president Alexis Garnaut-Miller says that this approach provides a different avenue for connection.
"Some guys don’t want to go to a traditional Men’s Shed," she says.
"Maybe they don’t have woodworking skills or don’t want to do the handyman thing, but anyone can do gardening and everyone loves gardening."
Over six weeks, in two-hour workshops, participants will gain skills in organic vegetable gardening, including composting, chemical-free pest management and seasonal planting. They will also assist with small maintenance tasks, contributing to the upkeep of the farm.
“There's so much knowledge that gets shared informally about what's the best way of growing and cultivating, composting, and plant cycling," says Alexis.
“They could take that information and do a verge garden, or garden in their backyard. They could do a neighborhood project, or garden here [at Dapto Community Farm].”
“Being able to provide vegetables and that sustainability for their families would be a great outcome from the program, as well as just seeing something come out of their work and being proud of themselves for that,” Taleya adds.
In 2023, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that men aged 55-64 are at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness compared to some other age groups. While Australia is a world leader in men's mental health programs, Paddy says that older men often face a loss of community connection after retirement, and programs like the Men's Garden Shed can help reduce stigma around men's mental health and provide connections outside the workforce.
“A lot of people in that age bracket who are retired have a very difficult time forming and maintaining community outside of work and family. Community is a really important thing when you look at the indicators for things like poor mental health and suicidality… loneliness is such a huge factor.”
The Men's Garden Shed aims to become a resource for social prescribing, a growing health approach that shifts away from clinical intervention and toward community-led prevention strategies. The approach allows health practitioners to “prescribe” programs and activities other than medicine to combat issues like loneliness and poor mental health.
“Gardening is very therapeutic. Using your hands, getting your nails dirty and being able to plant something and see it grow, I think is a fantastic, very tactile and tangible thing for men,” says Paul Wild, a member of the Men's Garden Shed.
“There's something very meaningful about seeing the product of your work. Putting in a day's work weeding, seeing how clean the garden is, seeing veggies come up – it’s very hands-on and you get to see the results.”
About Dapto Community Farm
Dapto Community Farm (DCF) is Australia's largest, charity-run gardening collective. The farm is run entirely by volunteers, and hosts about 150 local growers, offering local groups and families a place to learn, connect and grow chemical-free produce. DCF regularly supplies crops to Sydney markets, local cafes and Leisure Coast. Around 350 garden plots are rented out to individuals in the Illawarra at the farm at 29 Darkes road, Dapto.
Keep up with Dapto Community Farm on Facebook, and find Men's Garden Shed details and their enrolment form at www.daptocommunityfarm.org.au.