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91ƵEmotions are gender-less91Ƶ: Kelowna groups launch support app for men

Barriers preventing men from opening up led to creation of a safe, anonymous online support group
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Third Space Life Charity members Nicole Gerber and Megan Woodruff (left), and Hechangedit members Shannon Crabbe and Candace Chisholm (right) celebrated the launch of 91Ƶhe.91Ƶ, a new app focused on supporting men, on Nov. 18. (Phil McLachlan - Capital News)

In celebration of men everywhere, a group of mental health advocates in Kelowna are extending a helping hand.

, in collaboration with , is launching a new app just in time for International Men91Ƶs Day (Nov. 19).

The app, 91Ƶhe.91Ƶ, connects men around the world seeking help. Through the app they can connect with others in safe, judgment-free zones, and work through problems together. It can be used anonymously.

According to Hechangedit, one man a minute is lost to suicide around the world. What91Ƶs more, three out of four suicides in Canada are males. And this need is ever increasing. A recent study showed that 77 per cent of men have felt an increase in stress, anxiety and depression since the pandemic began.

91ƵThe really alarming part about that is that 40 per cent said that they won91Ƶt talk about it. And 22 per cent said that even if they were suicidal, they still wouldn91Ƶt talk to a professional,91Ƶ said Candace Chisholm, CEO and co-founder of 91Ƶhe.91Ƶ.

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She explained a barrier for men could be picking up the phone and calling. It could be not being able to get to a doctor during regular hours, or having their name associated with a stigma. That91Ƶs where the app, two-and-a-half years in the making, comes in.

91ƵBy having the opportunity to be anonymous, or engage when and if you need, whenever you need, that starts to break down some of the barriers that exist in traditional health.91Ƶ

Referencing the tough, boots-on-the-ground work that Third Space performs on a daily basis, Shannon Crabbe, co-founder and COO of the app, said they want 91Ƶhe.91Ƶ to help.

The goal is to create a safe place for men to talk, 24/7.

91ƵWe all have men in our lives that we want to see thrive,91Ƶ said Nicole Gerber, communications manager with Third Space Life Charity.

The Kelowna charity is a group of people dedicated to building resilience and strength within young people everywhere. For years they have been supporting emotional wellness among young adults during critical points in their lives. Through their student care program, Third Space Life Charity offers free counselling for college and university students.

91ƵWe just hope to play a supportive role for our counterparts. Just because we91Ƶre women doesn91Ƶt mean that we91Ƶre not capable of playing a role in supporting men in their mental health. We recognize that emotions are gender-less, they91Ƶre universal, and we all experience them, and that91Ƶs what connects us all,91Ƶ Megan Woodruff, Third Space Life Charity project manager.

The best place to find the app, available for pre-order Nov. 19, is through 91Ƶs website, Hechangedit.com.

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Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com


 


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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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