Dundas County Hospice held an open house and barbeque to celebrate the completion of the Men’s Shed project on Tues., Sept. 1. Thompson Goddard Photo

WILLIAMSBURG – On Sept. 1 Dundas County Hospice (DCH) celebrated the completion of the Men’s Shed by holding an Open House and BBQ. The Men’s Shed provides men with a supportive and inclusive setting to gather together to discuss their experiences with losing a loved one.

“We offer many different types of support” commented DCH Program/Volunteer Coordinator Jen Pretty during the event. She mentioned these include one-on-one grief counselling, a Grief and Bereavement book club as well as seasonal themed workshops, monthly Grief and Bereavement Support Group meetings and the newly completed Men’s Shed.

She explained in early 2025 a group of men began gathering in a front room of the hospice building to support one another during the grieving period. “I think it’s a great idea.” commented Dennis Molloy during the event. He mentioned the seed for the Men’s Shed had been sown in early 2025 when the men’s group began meeting in early 2025 and had outgrown its original meeting area.

According to Pretty, the development of the Men’s Shed, located in the former storage area of the on-site garage came about as the need for additional space became evident. With funding obtained from the 100 Women Who Care North Dundas and the New Horizon’s for Seniors program from the federal government there is an accessible door, insulation and heating.

It is open on the first and third Tuesday of every month between 9 and 11:30 a.m. with trained volunteers available. “The Men’s Shed is about creating a welcoming, shoulder-to-shoulder space where men can connect, work with their hands, and find companionship and support – especially when navigating grief, life transitions, or isolation.” commented Steve Walsh, DCH Executive Director.

He continued by thanking the “federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for funding the essential tools and equipment that bring this space to life, the 100 Women of North Dundas for donating our new accessible door so the Shed is open to everyone, and Ian Henderson, whose early donation helped lay the foundation for us to get off the ground” before concluding how “This Shed belongs to our entire community, and we are excited to see the lasting impact it will have on men’s mental health and well-being across Dundas County.”

Since 1992 Dundas County Hospice has served the local community by providing assistance to those facing the end of their lives and their caregivers as well enabling people a safe place to grieve the loss of a loved one. More information on Dundas County Hospice and the services to the community of this organization can be found on their social media sites and website located at www.dundascountyhospice.ca.