The City of Chestermere hosted its first Walk and Talk for men to raise awareness for Men's Mental Health Day.
Mental health stations, along with snacks and refreshments, were set up under the gazebo at John Peake Memorial Park on Friday (June 13) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants took part in a walk around the park, socialized, and interacted with the various stations.
The event also featured the Chestermere Men's Shed program, a group focusing on supporting the health and well-being of retired men in the area.
The Men's Shed is a worldwide organization that began in Australia. There are currently 35 Men's Shed in Alberta.
"We get together, meet 19 or 20 other guys, make some friends, see them every week for a couple of hours. If you find people that you like and they've got the same interests, then go and do it," said organizer Jamie Marriott. "We just keep track of that."
The group started in May 2024 and took place in a member's garage. Now at 20 members, the men gather at the Lakeshore Manor, once a Best Western hotel, every Thursday at 10 a.m.
They plan outings, pub nights, coffee talks, and other community activities and workshops. Peter Clapton, one of the organizers, even started a garage band with some of the members.
"We were giving bicycle bells out to kids for their bicycles because there's so much pedestrian traffic," Clapton said, describing of one group's gatherings. "We thought we'd give them some bells and helmets."
One of the groups key goals is to help men contribute to their community. The Men's Shed works with counsellor Robert Schindler to find ways they can support Chestermere, such as painting picnic tables at local parks.
"The big focus is the welfare of men," Marriott added.
The group is currently seeking a workshop space where they can continue to meet, socialize, and start projects.