Finding Purpose, Connection, and Creativity in Community: From Men’s Sheds to Cosplay on the Mornington Peninsula
- Ryan Tindal
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
At Skilled Carer, we talk a lot about client-centred care. But what if we reimagined what care could look like when we step outside of the usual support hours? What if we shifted from “clocking on” to showing up, in ways that are fun, creative, and community-connected?
Why Community Matters for Mental Health
Human beings are wired for connection. Psychologists such as Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary describe the “need to belong” as a fundamental human motivation. Studies consistently show that social isolation is linked with poorer mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even physical illness.
On the flip side, being part of a community and especially one with shared goals or creative expression, can provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and support that protects and strengthens mental wellbeing.
Men’s Sheds: Purpose in the Everyday
An Australian initiative, Men’s Sheds have become a global movement, designed as a place where men can gather, build, share skills, and most importantly, connect. Research by the University of Western Sydney has found that Men’s Sheds improve men’s mental health through:
Structure and purpose: Having a reason to show up each week.
Skill-sharing: A chance to use abilities productively or learn new ones.
Mateship: Building relationships in a low-pressure environment.
Emotional support: Informal conversations that open the door to deeper mental health support.
For men who may not naturally seek traditional mental health services, Sheds provide a culturally safe and practical space where wellbeing is nurtured through activity.
Find a shed near you!
Other Community Outlets on the Mornington Peninsula
While Men’s Sheds are powerful, they’re not the only avenue for connection and creativity.
The Mornington Peninsula is home to a range of groups that support mental health in different ways:
LARPing (Live Action Role Play)
Local LARP groups offer more than just fantasy role play, they provide embodied storytelling, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Studies in game psychology show that immersive role play boosts problem-solving, empathy, and confidence. For some, stepping into another character can be a safe way to explore aspects of identity and build friendships.
Fitness Communities
Exercise is a proven antidepressant.
A landmark study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that people who exercise have 43% fewer days of poor mental health than those who don’t. Mornington Peninsula fitness groups, whether boot camps on the beach, running clubs, or yoga collectives, add the social dimension that increases accountability and makes the habit sustainable.
Search on FB for local fitness groups to join and/or see some local environments below:
Photography Groups
Photography clubs on the Peninsula provide a chance to combine creative expression with mindful presence. Research in positive psychology shows that flow states (where time seems to melt away during a creative task) are linked with higher life satisfaction.
Photography also encourages time outdoors, which has additional benefits for mood and cognitive health.
Cosplay & Comic-Con Inspired Groups
Costume creation, cosplay, and local comic-con events may seem like a niche hobby, but they embody some of the most powerful elements of community building:
Creativity: Designing, sewing, and building costumes fosters mastery and problem-solving.
Identity exploration: Dressing up allows participants to explore new versions of themselves in a supportive environment.
Social connection: Cons and meetups create strong peer groups with shared passion.
Emerging research in fan studies highlights cosplay as a unique space where creativity, self-expression, and belonging intersect to support wellbeing.
The Common Thread: Connection + Creativity + Purpose
Whether it’s building a table at a Men’s Shed, sparring with foam swords in a LARP, joining a sunrise yoga class, capturing a photo of the Peninsula coastline, or suiting up as your favourite comic-book hero, these activities all share the same psychological ingredients:
Connection – being part of something larger than yourself.
Creativity – engaging in self-expression and problem-solving.
Purpose – having structure and something to look forward to.
Together, these elements provide protective benefits against loneliness and mental ill-health. They also enrich life with joy, play, and meaning.
Finding Your Place
If you’re on the Mornington Peninsula, opportunities to get involved are all around you. The key is to take that first step:
Visit your local Men’s Shed.
Search for LARPing or cosplay groups nearby.
Join a fitness club or beach workout.
Bring a camera and try a photography meet-up.