Mens' Group opens in Tri-Communities: a Place to Listen, a Place to be Heard

A group for and by Men has been launched in La Ronge, with a vision for a wider support network across Saskatchewan. Leading man Christopher Merasty says he created the group after an encounter with an emotional young man who had been banned from the local ad hoc homeless shelter / outreach centre 'Scattered Sites', was without money or a place to stay.

Merasty says he put the man up for the night, but also said these types of encounters have become commonplace for him in the tri-communities. When comparing census data (2016) for Northern Saskatchewan vs. the province, generally, we find that the percent of 'lone parent homes' (42%) is much greater than average (16.3%), and we know from the Northern Health Indicators Report (2011) that men born in Northern Saskatchewan live an average of 4.5 years less than their southern prairiemen. 

"This is not a Spiritual group, although spiritual things may happen; this is not a therapy group, although theraputic benefits may result; this is not a self-help group, even though that individual does get the help that they need" said Merasty "this is a place to be heard".

The group's first meeting was on the topic of Mental Health and Awareness, a growing topic in Saskatchwan and one which saw $435 Million in the 2020-2021 Provincial Budget. More accurately the increase in funding for Mental Health and Addictions was $29.8 Million for 2020-21.

When asked about his or the group's other admin lacking the qualifications to deal with serious problems of abuse, neglect, or criminality, Merasty countered [off air] that sometimes qualifications are separators between someone who needs to be heard and someone who creates space to listen; the group will defer to specialists on a case-by-case basis.

Merasty recently incorporated 'Men of the North' as a Not for Profit, and is actively asking "the greater community of Northern Saskatchean" to pass on grants and funding opportunities.

He says the group is open to all who identify with a Masculine role in society, any race or minority is welcome, the only rules are No Religion, and No Politics.