Men’s mental health campaign supporting self-help sessions

A men’s mental health awareness campaign started by a local business owner is also supporting a series of self-help meetings.

Late last year, Bill Marr from Garrison Automotive began selling T-shirts that read “I can fix most things, but I can’t fix dead.”

Marr created the initiative in honour of a long-time friend and customer who took his own life in September.

About $1,600 has been raised through sales and that money is being used to pay for sessions, held at least once a month at the Sherkston Community Centre, started by another local resident recently.

Two meetings have been held already and drew about a dozen people each time.

The next meeting is February 1 at 7 p.m.

There is no set agenda to the meetings, which are an opportunity for men to “get some stuff off their chest” if they need to.

PenFinancial is also providing support by offering a video and other advice to participants about financial health, said Marr.

“It’s great when the community gets together and backs something,” he said.

Marr said it’s sometimes difficult for men to come forward and explain they have mental health issues because they are “supposed to be strong” and are therefore “afraid to talk to people.”

It is expected that people who attend will find “someone else who will listen.”

The cost of the hall rental as well as refreshments and other expenses related to the meetings are being covered by Marr’s campaign.

It is possible meetings could eventually be held biweekly, said Marr, adding those details are being worked on.

The Sherkston Community Centre is located at 4891 Sherkston Road.

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