Jim Swingle, executive director of Vernon’s Family Resource Centre (FRC), believes the stigma surrounding men seeking help for mental health issues is slowly changing. As part of Men’s Mental Health Week, which runs from June 10-16, Swingle and the centre are urging men across the North Okanagan to take the first step toward mental wellness.
The Family Resource Centre provides a range of free and affordable services tailored specifically for men. These services help address challenges like trauma, stress, grief, anger, relationship problems, and isolation. The centre offers one-on-one trauma counselling, solution-focused sessions, and workshops on topics such as Anger Management and Parenting Through Emotion.
Additionally, FRC organizes “Man Cave,” a monthly support group aimed at men seeking community and connection.
“Our doors are open to any man who’s struggling, whether it’s from a specific trauma or the weight of everyday life,” Swingle said.
The FRC uses a trauma-informed approach, ensuring a safe, respectful, and confidential environment for all clients. Men can access counselling services either in-person or virtually, without needing a referral. For those who need it, sliding-scale fees are available based on financial circumstances.
While Men’s Mental Health Week emphasizes the importance of checking in on mental health, the Family Resource Centre wants the community to know that support is available year-round.
“We want men to understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength,” said Gabe Newman, a 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 offers counselling, mental health services, support groups, and a variety of other programs to Okanagan residents.
Related Topics
