Improving Men's Mental Health through Inclusive Practices and Community Development in Australian Men's Sheds

This study explores how social inclusion perspectives in non-Indigenous and Indigenous Men's Groups/Sheds in Australia are used to develop communities and build social capital. Social Exchange Theory (SET) provides the framework to elucidate men's rationale for participation in Men's Groups/Sheds. The study highlights social relationships and volunteer community development activities where men, with mental health issues, engage in co-producing social capital in the Groups/Sheds. The key message of the paper is that Shed types and their participants have quite different approaches to building social capital and enhancing the mental health and we/I-being of men. Indigenous men participate to combat the social determinants (trauma, addictions, incarceration and so on) of their lives. Moreover, many non-Indigenous men participate to overcome social isolation due to physical health issues, financial issues, failed relationships or the loss of a loved one. Most men who engage in the Groups/Shed increase their capacity to improve their mental health and produce social capital.