The Ravenswood Men’s and Community Shed had about 20 participants at the inaugural Healthy Shed session on Tuesday.

Starting Point Neighbourhood House manager Nettie Burr said the free program encouraged a healthier lifestyle, and that health is not just physical activity and food, “but also your mental health”.

“What this program does really well is highlight lots of different ways to look after your health and wellbeing,” she said.

“The program has been developed by a local project management company who are really good at ensuing people from all walks of life can get involved.

“You can be young, old, have never done anything before or want to get back into looking after yourself, because we all know looking after yourself can also care for others.

“I think this will be an amazing program and you can come to whichever session suits you.”

The program is a partnership between Starting Point Neighbourhood House, Healthy Tasmania, and community groups.

Healthy Tasmania managing director Lucy Byrne said the program connects the community to existing health providers, “which can be one of the hardest steps when trying to make a change for the better in managing your own health”.

University of Tasmania Professor of Healthcare Improvement Leigh Kinsman said the program is a “brilliant example” of ways the health sector can improve service delivery through the sharing of information.

“Healthy Shed will help address the needs of the men in the community, as identified by the men themselves,” he said.

The program takes place on Tuesdays from 10am. Sessions will run every week until July 31.

For more information, visit the Healthy Tasmania website.

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