November 7, 2023
Once Des Milne retired, he didn’t think his collection of hammers and drills would be the tools to get him off the couch and engaged in a social activity. When Des and his wife downsized and moved into the ECH Encore Apartments in Modbury two years ago, he brought with him his collection of tools he had built over the years from being a tradesman. They are stored in ECH Encore Community Workshop. “I spoke to Tina from Echoes Montessori, which is part of the complex, asking her if I could help with any projects,” he says. “Through ECH, we were able to get some peg boards and work benches, and I got all my tools tagged and tested.” “Then one day, Tina asked if I would be interested in helping to assemble some pieces and do some handywork as part of the men’s shed.” And from then on, Des alongside his fellow resident Barry, have been kept busy building, fixing and assembling pieces for the Montessori as well as for residents of the complex. A men’s shed is community-based and provides a space for men to come together for various activities, socialisation and personal projects. Its primary goals are to promote social interaction, combat social isolation, improve mental health and offer a sense of purpose and camaraderie to participants. Since his involvement in the men’s shed, Des and the other three gentlemen, have come together and help build not only items and toys, but friendships too. “We’ve built a…