George Kelly, chair of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, is fond of referring to the men’s shed as “the pub with no beer”. Men’s sheds offer a space distinct from the family home, the workplace and the pub.

While pubs and bars have been staples of Irish men’s lives for generations, the men’s shed has emerged as a safe, friendly and productive alternative in recent years.

The Ireland in which the men’s shed has flourished is a very different society to that in which many shedders grew up. Today, many people – particularly men in rural areas – find themselves at risk of social isolation. Changing lifestyles have coincided with a decline in familiar support networks in the community and the workplace.

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association’s partners in the HSE have provided some striking statistics. Sixty per cent of all alcohol consumption now takes place in the home, and over half of drinkers now consume alcohol in a harmful way – often without realising it.

Although 20% of Irish people don’t drink at all, those who do drink tend to drink a lot. With Irish men, and shedders in particular, becoming increasingly mindful of their health and well-being, now is a good time to take stock of the less obvious ways in which alcohol can affect our health.

Marion Rackard of the HSE Alcohol Programme says that “drinking most days or regularly drinking three or more pints in a single session can place men at risk. If this is a frequent pattern it becomes an ingrained habit; tolerance can build up and lead to many physical and mental health problems over time.

“This common way of drinking can affect our mood and overall sense of well-being; we may not realise that our heavy drinking may be creating anxious and even depressed feelings we could well do without. Many people who cut down their drinking or who cut out altogether can discover a great improvement in their mood.”

Through its Ask About Alcohol campaign (www.AskAboutAlcohol.ie), the HSE advises that men should consume no more than 17 standard drinks per week, spread throughout the week, with two to three alcohol-free days. Women should consume no more than 11 standard drinks per week. A standard drink equals one glass of beer, one small glass of wine or one measure of spirits.

The HSE also gives the following advice on limiting your alcohol intake:

  • • If drinking at home, use a drinks measure to calculate how much you are pouring.
  • • Don’t get involved in rounds. This means you can drink at your own pace and stay more in control when you’re out with other people.
  • • Buy smaller wine glasses, as it will make it easier to drink less and keep track of how much you’re drinking. A big wine glass can hold two standard drinks or more.
  • • Try alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as water.
  • But most importantly of all, seeking out other interests and pursuits is a great way of varying your lifestyle and reducing your reliance on alcohol. Men’s Sheds is one of the best and most productive ways of doing this. You can find a complete directory of every men’s shed in Ireland at www.menssheds.ie/shed-directory.

    If you are worried about your drinking, the HSE advises that you check out your drinking pattern by taking the self assessment test on www.askaboutalcohol.ie, visit your GP, contact the HSE Alcohol Helpline on 1800-459459 (Monday to Friday, 9.30-5.30pm) or email helpline@hse.ie CL