The scheme brings skills, tools and people together online, so neighbours can borrow lawnmowers or other resources as they are needed.

North West Area Mental Health Service co-ordinator Doris Sant said the Sharehood model would be promoted across Moreland and Hume for its mental health benefits.

‘‘More people need to be looking at community involvement in mental health terms, and this is a great example of how to do that,’’ Ms Sant said. ‘‘Getting people out there and finding a way to belong is fundamental to people’s mental wellbeing.’’

Neighbourhood houses at Robinson Reserve and Nicholson Street in Coburg are also looking at introducing the scheme.

Sharehood volunteer Michael Green said membership had topped 800 in Melbourne’s inner north since it began in Northcote three years ago.

‘‘It’s always had its strongest support in the lentil-belt, its good to see it spreading beyond that,’’ Mr Green said.

Recently Thornbury resident Amy Brand and three neighbours chipped in for a secondhand lawnmower.

“There was a distinct lack of shareable lawnmowers in our area, so we all threw in to buy a mower that can become a community resource,” Ms Brand said.

Other Sharehood initiatives include neighbourhood picnics in the park, front yard movie nights, group garage sales and neighbourhood herb gardens.

Swinburne University Institute for Social Research associate professor Kathleen Hulse said being familiar with neighbours made residents feel safer and gave a sense of place. “Being connected locally is strongly associated with a sense of belonging, and we all need to belong somewhere,” she said.

Visit thesharehood.org