Adrienne Bekkers, Community Programs Coordinator & System Engagement Lead
The session encouraged participants to consider how early influences around toughness, control, and emotional restraint may continue to shape how men relate to their emotions. From a young age, boys often encounter messages suggesting that vulnerability is undesirable. These ideas can be reinforced through media, sports, and broader social norms, which tend to emphasize dominance and discourage emotional openness. Over time, such patterns might contribute to feelings of disconnection or isolation.
The Family Service team spoke about their Men and Boys Program, which offers spaces across Nova Scotia aimed at fostering empathy, self-awareness, and connection. The program includes a range of initiatives, touching on prevention, co-parenting, anger management, and restorative practices, that reflect a broader interest in supporting relationships and wellbeing.
During the lunch and learn, participants also discussed themes like accessibility, cultural relevance, and cross-sector collaboration. A recurring idea was that meaningful change may begin with trust, dialogue, and empathy. The conversation suggested that rethinking masculinity doesn’t necessarily mean discarding strength, but perhaps exploring it through lenses like compassion, accountability, and care.
Continuing exploration - add your thoughts in the comment section below.
- How can we explore culturally relevant supports for men in Antigonish moving forward?
- How can aging men access support in relationships, family, and life experiences?
- How does supporting men in addressing mental wellness, toxic masculinity, cultural expectations and evolving roles impact the community?
- What supports can we continue to put in place for men in Antigonish in order to better support them?
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