The government is committed to tackling health inequalities and improving health outcomes, including premature mortality. With 42% of men dying before the age of 75 compared to 26% of women, the health of men in later life is therefore critically important. A lot of these men are known to be lonely and isolated. A recent report written for the Age UK’s Agenda for Later Life conference 2011 identified that 300,000 older men in the UK say they leave their home once a week or less, and half a million older men in the UK are lonely.

NIACE’s research has shown that returning to informal learning as an adult has a positive impact on health and wellbeing, and promotes positive mental health. Non formal learning often brings with it social capital benefits, and improved health from contact and support of other participants. Health and wellbeing benefits are some of the identifiable consequences of participating in community organisations. Men’s Sheds provide an opportunity to enhance the role of men’s cultural norms, values and agency and have been found to be a successful method to increase health and wellbeing.

This important event will bring together delegates from all over the country to learn about the ways in which informal learning, health and wellbeing and the Men’s Shed initiative interrelate. Participants will explore how the activities in Sheds impact positively upon men’s health and well-being, the Age UK’s pilot Men in Sheds projects (funded by the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust), and the value of non formal learning through the Sheds and other initiatives.

For further information or reserve a place online please visit:

http://www.niace.org.uk/campaigns-events/events/discovering-mens-sheds