News

A new men’s mental health support group in Ste. Anne is already making an impact after its first meeting drew 20 participants from across southeastern Manitoba. Organizer Jeremy Wiens called the turnout "phenomenal" and described the atmosphere as one of respect and care. 

“I was blown away by how well it went,” Wiens said. “People opened up and started sharing what they’re going through, and others were showing support. It was amazing.” 

He would like the group to be a safe space for men to connect and support each other. The plan for now is to meet once a month. 

The inaugural session included men ranging in age from 23 to 67, coming from communities like St. Malo, Steinbach, St. Genevieve, and beyond. 

“We had people from all over. Some were there because they needed connection, others just wanted to support others, and it was awesome to see.” 

Next steps and meeting details 

The group’s next meeting is tentatively planned for the second or third week of February. Wiens said he and co-organizer Ryan are working on scheduling and confirming the location at the AJ Fiola boardroom in Ste. Anne. 

To stay informed about upcoming meetings, Wiens encourages people to check his personal Facebook page or local community pages, where updates will be shared. 

The response to the first meeting has already extended beyond the region. Wiens said that a men’s group from Ottawa reached out after learning about the initiative from an article online. 

He also noted that there’s been positive feedback from local residents. Wiens has also received communication from people outside Ste. Anne who have expressed interest in starting similar groups in their own communities. 

“If anybody’s interested in knowing how to get started with something like this, they can reach out to me,” Wiens said. “Not everyone will want to drive to Ste. Anne, and I get that. But if we can encourage and help other communities, we’ll definitely do what we can.” 

Wiens emphasized the importance of raising awareness about men’s mental health and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. He expressed gratitude for the community’s support and hopes the group will inspire others to take similar steps. 

For more information about the Ste. Anne men’s mental health support group, Jeremy Wiens can be reached at 204-381-1167.