MEDIA ADVISORY: National Study Finds Men's Sheds Reduce Loneliness and Improve Wellbeing; Results to be Presented at Edmonton ShedFest West Panel
EDMONTON, AB, April 22, 2026 /CNW/ - Media are invited to attend via Zoom live stream a featured panel at ShedFest West, where new national survey research on Men's Sheds and their impact on men's health and wellbeing will be presented and discussed.
Hosted by Men's Sheds Canada, ShedFest West is a gathering of Men's Shed members ("Shedders") from across Western Canada, focused on peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and strengthening community-based approaches that support men's health, connection, and wellbeing.
The "Health by Stealth" panel will take place on Wednesday, April 29 at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time and will bring together researchers, policy leaders, and Shedders to explore how Men's Sheds are improving the physical and mental wellbeing of older men at a time when social isolation and loneliness remain pressing national concerns.
The session will feature the presentation of new national survey findings by Dr. Raza Mirza, COO of HelpAge Canada and Assistant Professor (Status), University of Toronto, Institute for Life Course and Aging, examining the role of Men's Sheds across Canada. Data from the study highlight the significant impact of Men's Sheds: nearly 66% of participants reported experiencing loneliness before joining, while 74% report a strong sense of belonging after participation, and 58% report improved mental wellbeing.
The research contributes to a growing national conversation on men's and boys' health, including work being advanced by Movember Canada in support of Canada's emerging national health strategy. The panel will also include:
- Catherine Corriveau, Movember's Director of Policy and Advocacy, highlighting key findings from Movember's 2025 The Real Face of Men's Health report
- Karen McDonald, Executive Director of Sage Seniors Association and Co-chair of the Pan-Canadian Community-Based Seniors Services Community Leadership Council
Together, the panel will highlight how Men's Sheds create informal, trusted environments where men connect, build relationships, and support one another's wellbeing through everyday activity and shared purpose.
EVENT DETAILS
What: "Health by Stealth" Panel – ShedFest West
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time
Format: Zoom live stream
REGISTER ON ZOOM TO WATCH THE HEALTH BY STEALTH PANEL HERE
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Available for interviews (advance or by request):
- Dr. Robert Goluch, President, Men's Sheds Canada
- Dr. Raza Mirza, COO, HelpAge Canada
ABOUT SHEDFEST WEST
ShedFest West is a gathering of more than 125 Men's Shed members from across Western Canada, focused on peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and strengthening Men's Sheds as community-based spaces that support men's health, connection, and wellbeing.
ABOUT MEN'S SHEDS CANADA
Men's Sheds Canada supports the development and growth of the Men's Shed movement across the country. Today, there are more than 200 Men's Sheds across Canada, with an ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 within the next six years. Men's Sheds are community-based, volunteer-led spaces where men come together to connect, share skills, and support one another--helping improve health and wellbeing through social connection and purposeful activity.
SOURCE Men's Sheds Canada
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Javet, Communications and Marketing, Men's Sheds Canada, [email protected], 416-230-6869
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