Men of the North has been active in the tri-communities since January 2020. (Submitted photo/Christpher Merasty)

By Derek Cornet

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Men of the North’s work to boost mental health in tri-communities an ongoing mission

Jun 13, 2022 | 2:29 PM

June is celebrated annually as men’s mental health month and Men of the North founder Christopher Merasty is encouraging men to do something different or new.

“It’s very important we help, introduce and encourage our men and young men in our communities to accept the challenges, not in a negative way, but more in a meaningful, positive and healthy way,” he said. “A little bit of encouragement goes a long way, especially when it’s dealing with men and young men in our communities.”

Men of the North began in January 2020 and is a program where all members collaborate on a vision that is noble and worthy. The group is about helping men to become self-aware, self-compassionate, and becoming self-forgiving to further obtain their self-respect.

By doing so, they will become better communicators in helping to get their lives together and shouldering the responsibilities of the world in a manner that is good for them, their families, and their communities.

Men of the North’s mission is to provide opportunities that help and encourage men to seek lasting positive mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Their goal is to foster an environment that promotes health, recovery, and rehabilitation.

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Merasty explained the group consists of 56 members of which about 15 regularly attend meetings held every Monday between 6 to 8 p.m. and including supper, door prizes, birthday celebrations and meaningful conversation.

“It’s not very often there are opportunities for men to get together and talk about issues we have in our every day lives,” said Merasty. “It is important for us to take some time aside and be able to listen to each other and their challenges. That way we can help them, as well as help ourselves, create solutions for many problems we have in our lives.”

Men of the North also offers the 50 Yard Challenge this summer, which is happening for the third year. The challenge will last from July 2 to Aug. 6 and it involves men and teens coming together to clean the yards of Elders, single parents, or families with disabilities. As a reward, those who participate will attend a canoe trip from Aug. 24-27.

The La Ronge Elks Club recently donated $1,000 to Men of the North. (Submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)

This summer Men of the North is teaming up with Possibilities Recovery Centre out of Saskatoon and participants there will do 10 yards out of the 50. The participants in Saskatoon will be treated to a day event.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported us with this challenge,” Merasty said. “It is very important to help our men and young men to find a meaningful purpose and provide opportunities for them to give back to the community.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno