I’m a big supporter of the work of Men’s Sheds in our region and was pleased to be able to help build a new relationship between the Cairns Men’s Shed and QUIHN Cairns.
QUIHN (Queensland Injectors Health Network) is doing fabulous work with people who are facing – and recovering from – substance abuse and mental health challenges.
I visited the centre last year and after speaking to the clients, thought it would be great for them to have a community garden as a hands-on outdoors activity.
The Cairns Men’s Shed has been building raised garden beds from recycled materials and agreed to sell me the beds at cost and to deliver them to QUIHN, which was much appreciated. Some good-quality soil and a range of herbs and vegetable seedlings, and away they went!
Visiting the garden recently with Andy Mattsson from the Men’s Shed (who built the beds) and discussing the role of QUIHN, it was clear that there’s a great opportunity here.
I know that Men’s Shed members may sometimes experience feelings of depression, isolation, or low self-esteem as they have often recently retired from the workforce, or are on their own.
The therapists at QUIHN have a wealth of knowledge in helping people to deal with these challenges, so I’ve encouraged the two organisations to continue to work together as there are clear opportunities for both.
For more information about the work of both organisations visit www.quihn.org and http://cairnsmenshed.org/
