JourneyOnline
IN LATE July the John Thomas Wilson Endowment managed by Perpetual presented Blue Care with $150 000 for a project which aims to reconnect men with their communities.
Under the Boyz Toyz project, a shed at Blue Care Ashgrove Respite Care will be transformed into a men’s shed for the over 65s – complete with television, billiard table and a kitchenette.
Blue Care Executive Director Robyn Batten said with health problems, isolation, loneliness and depression becoming more prevalent among older men, the project aimed to give men an exclusive area to socialise and take
part in male-oriented activities.
“We are really pleased to receive this funding,” Ms Batten said.
“The John Thomas Wilson Endowment supported Blue Care with $165 000 last year for a sensory garden project in Brisbane’s south and this extra funding will help us provide another much-needed community service in the city’s inner west and north-west suburbs.
“The Lions Club of Ashgrove/ The Gap has also supported our project by contributing raised garden beds, which will be used for vegetable cultivation.
“Produce from the garden will be used at our Ashgrove and Kenmore centres or in the community.”
Boyz Toyz is expected to be operational in about May next year.
“Ultimately this will be a men’s club not only for our centre members in Ashgrove and Kenmore but we also envisage asking men in the community who have retired to join us or drop in for a coffee,” Ms Batten said.
“This project is a win-win for everyone as it’s going to help rekindle those lost community connections which seem to have occurred during the past 20 years as urbanisation of our older suburbs has taken place.”
The new shed will also host Blue Care’s regular respite, tai chi, falls prevention and physiotherapy sessions.
The Blue Care men’s shed is registered with the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
Photo : Blue Care Executive Director, Robyn Batten, accepts a cheque from The John Thomas Wilson Endowment from Perpetual General Manager, Philanthropy, Andrew Thomas, alongside Ashgrove manager, Caroline McCormack, Blue Care Community Support Officer, Debbie Gibbons, and Blue Care Brisbane Community Care Manager, Cathy Thomas. Photo courtesy of Blue Care
