The stigma around men asking for help with their mental health, said the executive director of Vernon's Family Resource Centre (FRC), is changing.
With Men's Mental Health Week running June 10-16, Jim Swingle and the centre encourage men across the North Okanagan to take the first step toward healing by accessing the mental health support they deserve.
FRC offers free and affordable counselling and support services tailored to men facing issues such as trauma, stress, grief, anger, relationship challenges, and isolation. Services include one-on-one trauma counselling and solution-focused counselling, as well as workshops on Anger Management and Parenting Through Emotion.
FRC also runs Man Cave, a monthly men’s activity group.
“Our doors are open to any man who’s struggling, whether it’s with a specific trauma or just the weight of life,” said Swingle.
The centre's trauma-informed approach focuses on creating a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. Counselling is offered in-person or virtually, with no referral necessary and sliding-scale fees for those in financial need.
While Men’s Mental Health Week highlights the importance of checking in, FRC reminds the community that support is available year-round.
"We want men to know that asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s strength,” said Gabe Newman, counsellor at the FRC and facilitator of the Man Cave group. “There is support, and there is hope.”
The Family Resource Centre is a charitable non-profit that provides free and affordable counselling, mental health services, support groups, and other programs to residents of the Okanagan.
For more information, visit www.vernonfrc.ca, call them at 250-545-3390, or email them at info@vernonfrc.ca.
