Abstract Step-by-Step to the Men's Shed: Creating a model to improve health, reduce isolation and/or increase engagement with the labour marketIntroductionMen's Sheds provide a male-centred space, facilitating social interaction and shared skills. Research has demonstrated that participation can have wider physical and mental health benefits. Step by Step (SBS) is an Interreg 2seas cross-border initiative that aims to adapt the Men's Sheds concept into a community-based model to improve men's health and reduce inequalities in the participating regions. Method Ten organisations from 4 countries collaborated to create a bespoke SBS Model of Sheds delivery addressing mental/physical health, social isolation and employability. Cross-border meetings involving all organisations were held to design the model. Focus groups were held with potential Shed users and fed into the model, and a review of literature conducted.
Results
Cross-border collaboration, including local men, resulted in creation of the SBS Model. The model is built on community engagement and social connectedness and includes a Health Champion training programme, interactive health kiosks and employment support. The model has been explained and incorporated into the SBS toolkit for new Shed leaders and members in written and visual formats.
Conclusion
A cross-border approach enabled components of a new model of service delivery to draw on the expertise of each organisation. Initial engagement and development suggests that the model will be effective in engaging men in health. A multi-level, multi-method evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the SBS model to engage men through a community-based approach. External funding details Interreg 2seas social innovation