The next meeting is Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Piwapan Women's Centre main office. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

mental health

New mens support group launches in tri-community

Jan 30, 2020 | 4:27 PM

Domestic violence, fatherhood, mental health, suicide and relationships are all topics up for discussion at a new support group for men 18 and up in the tri-communities.

The first meeting was held Jan. 26 at the Piwapan Women’s Centre main office along La Ronge Avenue and attracted 16 men. That’s according to Organizer Christopher Merasty who said he started the group on his own because he noticed there was a lack of services for men in the tri-communities.

“I believe that the support group is necessary for the community and its goals to become healthier,” he said. “I found there are many supports for girls and women, however, there are very little for the men.”

At the first gathering, attendees discussed the rules of the meetings and went over certain mental health issues. There was also a chance for men to address the group, as well as supper and talks about what the topic of the next meeting will be.

While the next one will be Feb. 2 between 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Piwapan’s main office, Merasty noted the time and place will change according to the needs of attendees.

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It’s important for the tri-communities to have such a group because Merasty believes men are expected to deal with issues on their own. He claims men between the ages of 25 and 45 are most likely to commit suicide and that has been increasing for the last five years. Merasty also mentioned gang activity has been on the rise and young men are routinely recruited into them.

“In general, men have been told by society that they are not men when they deal with their feelings in a healthy manner,” he said. “I started this group to help men talk about their issues, so that they can feel supported and be able to be healthy role models in their family and community, as well as for themselves. This will help men have the recognition that they need to help them to be a successful leader.”

La Ronge resident Christopher Merasty launched the men’s support group. (submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)

Although Merasty would have liked to have more men at the first meeting, he’s hopeful there will be more at the second one this Sunday. The topic will be fatherhood and Merasty encourages any men to come and listen, or take some information which could assist them with issues they may be experiencing.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno