Airds Bradbury Men’s Shed now also home to those with disabilities

Airds Bradbury Men’s Shed has launched a new program to help local men with disabilities.

The Men’s Shed recently teamed up with Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI) in an effort to get their clients out and about and to learn a few life skills.

For a few hours every Thursday, MDSI clients attend the Men’s Shed and lend a hand – whether it’s in the garden or in the workshop.

The program is available to men who are registered on the National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS).

“I don’t think any other Men’s Shed in Australia does anything like this,” says Airds Bradbury Men’s Shed spokesman Andrew McGlinchy.

“We have five or six boys who come every week and there is one carer for every two workers.

“The trouble is we don’t have access to many male carers during normal Men’s Shed days so if a person with a disability comes here they have to have a male carer with them.

“But on Thursdays we relax that rule to allow female carers to come along to make it a lot more accessible for our clients,’’ Mr McGlinchy said.

Someone who appreciates that is Bailey Kemp, who attends the Men’s Shed on Thursdays.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I like it because you can build stuff, make things you want and then take it home,” Mr Kemp said.[/social_quote]

Campbelltown MP and big supporter of the Men’s Shed Greg Warren has lauded the program after seeing it in action recently.

“The guys at the Airds Bradbury Men’s Shed constantly strive to make the Campbelltown community a better place for every resident,’’ he said.

“I’ve been a regular visitor out to the Men’s Shed over the past few years and I’m continually blown away by the members’ dedication and hard work.

“It’s important to make sure every Campbelltown resident feels a part of this great community and this latest initiative makes sure that happens.

“This should be a model that every Men’s Shed chooses to follow,” Mr Warren said.