I will be working as a research assistant on the Sheds for Life project. Gaining practical experience visiting men’s sheds in a familiar environment that is their own shed. Sheds For Life is an initiative that was set up with the Irish Men’s Shed Association. It is a male-specific health and well-being initiative, for men who want to improve their physical health and mental well-being. It is a grassroots organisation with like-minded people who are there to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Sheds For Life is delivered by different organisations such as Diabetes Ireland, Get Ireland Walking, and the Irish Heart Foundation. By linking with their communities and national organisations this will help men improve their physical health and well-being, as men are more likely than women be at risk of diseases and conditions. For men who want to improve and change behaviour Sheds for Life provides information, resources and support to ensure that men can enjoy life to their full potential. The project takes an Implementation Science Approach which entails evaluating interventions to investigate how they work and identifying the needs of various men’s sheds, and of key stakeholders. I will be assisting with data entry, and helping to conduct interviews and focus groups in cooperation with my supervisor and PhD student in the Sheds for Life programme.
