A men's mental health support group in Ste. Anne has gained provincial recognition for it's success.
On Friday, Jeremy Wiens, a founder of Southeast Men's Group, made a Facebook post that the group had been acknowledged in the Manitoba Legislature by Member of the Legislative Assembly, Bob Lagassé.
During the legislative discussion, Lagassé said, "I'd like to recognize an organization that is truly making an impact in southeast Manitoba today."
He gave some of the details of the group, including that, to date, it has brought together 42 different men.
The group has only met three times so far, with it's first meeting drawing 20 participants from across the southeast.
"This group allows time to share. Whether that be sharing wins or losses, struggles or successes. Some men come to find community, and others come to be part of the community," Lagassé said.
He added that individuals and businesses have reached out to the group to provide donations to cover the cost of the facility being used and other expenses.
Wiens and Pasieczka had been covering rental costs themselves.
"I would like to thank the Southeast Men's Group for starting up. After all, men's mental health is important and anything we can do to end the stigma helps us all," Lagassé said.
The politician has a special connection to the issue, and has shared about his own mental health journey previously.
Wiens is happy to see the group gaining provincial attention.
"With the number of men that we have already been able to reach, we are making a difference," he says. "I know the more we are able to talk about Men's Mental Health, the more we can break the stigma of it so men can feel free to get the help they need."
Co-founder Ryan Pasieczka says he is also encouraged by the shout-out.
Like Wiens, he says the moment is a big step towards breaking the stigma around men's mental health, and highlighting the importance of support networks.
"This acknowledgment not only validates the hard work we’ve put into creating a safe space for men to open up but also emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and resources. I hope this inspires more conversations and actions toward better mental health care for everyone," he says.
Written with files from Judy Peters