Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is getting ready to host a Men’s Wellness Rereak the stigma surrounding asking for help
The Men’s Wellness Report and re
“I think it’s important for men to know that they don’t have to struggle alone,” said Kelcy McDougall Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services Community Access and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Liaison.
“This event is important because it creates a space where men and youth can connect with supports, re
McDougall said that Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince
McDougall said that Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince Albert, Cradled Wellness, Prince Albert Mobile Crisis, Oxford Housing, PAGC Housing, Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Addictions, Catholic Family Services, and more will be attending in support of the event, and will be offering their re
“I want to let people know that my door is open to organizations that want to get involved and I encourage agencies and service providers to reach out so we can work together and make a difference,” McDougall said.
McDougall also said that his door is open to any other organizations who want to come and be a part of the event and the ongoing initiative.
Bringing agencies together in one place, we can
“Bringing agencies together in one place, we can help bridge the gap and make it easier for men to connect with the support they need,” McDougall explained.
“Whether your organization provides mental health services, addiction support, housing assistance, employment services, family support, education support, or other community reve.”
McDougall said that this event will be the first of its kind, and the idea came from the want of having a men’s wellness circle, and has evolved from there.
Originally it started with me wanting to host
“Originally it started with me wanting to host a men’s wellness circle, and then once I started looking into the services that our community had, it just sort of clicked,” McDougall explained.
“Bringing agencies together, recognizing that there are many services and supports available in our community, but men don’t always have access to them, so why not bring the services to them?”
The featured guest speakers for this event come from different walks of life, and are focused on sharing their stories, knowledge, and insights.
Guest speakers include Bryce Naytowhow, Elder Clayton Waditika, and Cody Demerais.
The event will feature these speakers, and presentations
The event will feature these speakers, and presentations from the organizations about what services they are able to provide, followed by an evening dinner, and time for participants to visit booths, find out more information and connect with these services that they may need or be interested in.
McDougall said the reality is that men often have a stigma regarding seeking re
“Too often men are taught to take it on the chin, or are told ‘You’re tough, you got this,’ and have to deal with challenges on their own,” McDougall explained.
“That type of stigma can prevent people from reaching out when they actually need support. The Men’s Wellness Reversations, and showing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
McDougall said that the invite is open
McDougall said that the invite is open to men and youth from any and all walks of life, and if you are struggling to come by to connect and share a meal.
“I also encourage men young and old to come out, enjoy a great meal, meet people, listen to the presentations by the agencies and guest speakers,” McDougall explained.
“They can learn about the retely be struggling to attend. Sometimes just listening or connecting with someone can make a big impact and difference.”
McDougall said that he plans to hold these
McDougall said that he plans to hold these events monthly, to continue providing opportunities for agencies to participate, share information about their services, and connect directly with community members.
McDougall said that the effects that come from men not having access to these relife’s challenges, often results in addictions, substance abuse and violence
McDougall said that those are all really high statistics in Prince Albert and surrounding communities, and he hopes to lower those statistics and create a better environment for everybody.
McDougall said that he hopes that the more
McDougall said that he hopes that the more that everyone works together, the stronger the community will become, and help men reach the services they need.
“At the end of the day, this is about our men, our families, and the future of our communities,” McDougall explained.
“We all have a role to play in making sure people know that they’re not alone. I think that a lot of men with their upbringing, they’re told that they are supposed to be ‘the strong one’, that has always been just the way that we’ve been taught. Before you fall into a crisis, you can reach out for support.”
The Men’s Wellness Re, on Friday evening
The Men’s Wellness Re, on Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 20
McDougall said that he hopes that the conversations that are had, and the experiences and stories that are shared are something that men take home with them to remember long after they leave.
“Something that I’m looking forward to the most is seeing men come together, build connections, and realize that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone,” McDougall explained.
“It’s about connecting people with re. Most of all, I’m looking forward to the connections that can be made and knowing that someone may leave the event with a rects their life.”
