
Peace River has limited mental health supports in their region, therefore they will open a Men's Shed, which is a community-based, grassroots initiative that provides a safe and welcoming space for men to connect, socialize, and work on projects together that can benefit their community and increase their sense of belonging. This project aims to reduce social isolation, increase social wellbeing, and promote mental health for men by providing a space where men can regularly meet to socialize and work on projects like woodworking. They call it "health by stealth" - its what happens when health benefits happen naturally without really trying. Research completed by the University of Alberta in 2023 found that involvement in a Men's Shed provides camaraderie, a sense of inclusion, and a sense of purpose which helped generate an improvement in mental and physical health among participants. This project will create social connection and build wellbeing for men in Peace River.