Program Overview
The Men’s Wellbeing Workshop – Work, Water and Connection is a relaxed, practical and inclusive program designed to give men a welcoming place to connect with others, learn useful skills, spend time outdoors and take a little time for their own wellbeing.
The program recognises that not every man wants to sit in a circle and talk about how he feels. Sometimes conversation comes more naturally while building something, fishing, working with tools, sharing a meal, sitting beside a fire or simply having a coffee with other men.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Men’s Wellbeing Workshop is to create opportunities for men to:
- Build genuine friendships and social connections.
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Learn new practical skills and hobbies.
- Strengthen confidence and self-esteem.
- Develop a greater sense of purpose and achievement.
- Spend meaningful time outdoors and near water.
- Enjoy positive, respectful conversation.
- Strengthen resilience and everyday wellbeing.
- Become more involved in their local community.
Share existing knowledge and skills with others.
Who Can Attend
The Men’s Wellbeing Workshop is designed for men from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, experiences and abilities.
It may particularly benefit men who:
- Want to meet new people.
- Enjoy practical activities.
- Are looking for new hobbies or interests.
- Have become socially isolated.
- Are retired or experiencing changes in routine.
- Are carers.
- Are living with disability.
- Are rebuilding confidence.
- Want more opportunities for community participation.
- Enjoy fishing, nature, tools or outdoor activities.
- Simply want somewhere welcoming to spend a few hours.
Activities can be adapted where possible to support different abilities and participation needs.
Benefits and Outcomes
Through regular participation, men may experience:
- Increased social connection.
- Reduced loneliness and isolation.
- Greater confidence.
- Development of practical skills.
- Increased community participation.
- New friendships.
- Improved sense of purpose.
- Greater resilience.
- Opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Increased confidence trying new activities.
- Stronger feelings of belonging.
Outcomes will be different for every participant and there is no expectation that everyone progresses in the same way.
What Happens In
Each session combines practical activity with informal social connection.
Activities may include:
- Woodworking and simple DIY projects.
- Fishing and water-based activities.
- Gardening and outdoor projects.
- Leatherwork and creative crafts.
- Nature photography.
- Basic repair and maintenance activities.
- Campfire and outdoor cooking.
- Community projects.
- Reflection activities.
- BBQs and shared meals.
- Conversation and social time.
Activities change throughout the year so participants can try different experiences, develop new interests and continue building skills.
No previous experience is required.