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A new mental health support group in Ste. Anne is already making an impact, and organizers are hoping to grow the initiative despite financial hurdles. 

Ryan Pasieczka and Jeremy Wiens launched the men’s support group to create a safe space for open discussions. The group held its first meeting last month and will meet again Thursday, February 13th at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at AJ Fiola. 

“For me, it’s huge,” Pasieczka says about what this group means to him. “It’s been hard to get either to see a counsellor or see a therapist, or just to get the help that you need when you’re going through a tough time.” 

The goal, he notes, is to break the stigma around men seeking help. “As a kid, we all grew up thinking you’re not supposed to cry, not supposed to show feelings. There’s a stigma that guys need to just hold that pain in and keep moving on.” 

For now, Pasieczka and Wiens are covering the rental costs themselves. While the first month’s space was donated. They have received one private donation and are exploring grants or additional community support to help cover future meetings and provide coffee. 

“We’re waiting to see where we want to go—whether we ask for donations or if we want to reach out for other grants,” Pasieczka says. “But we’re not stopping this because of money.” 

He is open to hearing from anyone who may have a space to donate for the group’s monthly meetings. 

Thursday’s meeting will feature a special guest, psychiatric nurse Steven Todd, who has experience in mental health support and wants to help the group grow. 

Pasieczka says he is encouraged by the early response and the willingness of men to support one another. 

“Some of these guys don’t need help, but they just want to support their neighbour. They want to make sure the next guy in their community doesn’t go down the same path they did.” 

After the first meeting, he sat in his truck reflecting on the moment. “I was like, wow, this might be something huge. It could be life-changing for some or possibly just change the stigma alone.” 

Anyone interested in attending or supporting the group can contact Pasieczka at 204-770-7007.