Based at Pakenham's Outlook Community Centre, the Men's Shed has proved a successful support network for men aged 18 to 80 and is one of the largest of its kind in Victoria.

Dennis Jones, Men's Shed co-ordinator, says the group offers a comfortable environment that has a social and health impact on those who join.

"It's somewhere they can be themselves, a place to mix with other men.

"It also has an impact on people's health because mixing with others can reduce boredom in retirees, or combat the effects of isolation and depression."

The group offers men a place to spend time talking about fishing, golfing or gardening, for example, or to take part in an activity such as woodwork.

"There's a real mix of what the men like to do, from making toys to fixing things, and helping out in the community.

"It's been really good to watch people, who have come into the area and not known anyone, come to the Men's Shed and develop some really good friendships."

Outlook manager Ann McCormack says it has been pleasing to embrace the diversity in the community and make it accessible to people from all walks of life.

"We are very proud that we have identified a need by men in the community and it has been met.

"The group is based on social contact and has attracted a wide variety of skilled and unskilled people - from engineers to the long-term unemployed."

Ms McCormack says in terms of social value, there have been real dollar savings with group members regularly giving back to the community.

"These men can now take their connections, and their confidence, back to their communities.

"Some sheds can get a bit cliquey, but we've got a wide range of men coming to the group, which represents a true community model."

The Men's Shed meets 10am-2pm each Wednesday at Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road in Pakenham. For details, call Dennis Jones on 0409 861 088 or the Outlook Community Centre on 5941 1535.