The Inner Man Project in Medicine Hat has received a $50,000 provincial government grant to support mental wellness and addiction recovery. Dylan Eckes, co-founder, looks at one of the posters in the local office.--NEWS PHOTO
A local organization established to address local mental health needs has received community grant funding from the provincial government.
The Inner Man Project is the result of a group deciding last summer there had to be a way to address the needs of people who thought taking their own lives was the only option. They wanted to help those with mental health concerns or struggling with an addiction.
Dylan Eckes, co-founder, says they wanted to be proactive.
“We have to stop ignoring and have a conversation,” he said.
While a diagnosis of cancer would be shared with friends and their would be support from people in general, it can be very different with a mental illness or addiction because there is stigma attached.
Eckes says we have to normalize that conversation because there are people we deal with in business every day struggling with addiction and we do not know it.
The Inner Man Project was officially opened in January and has nine people on the board of directors, many of whom have firsthand experience with mental health issues.
That in itself is a plus for someone seeking help at The Inner Man Project. Ekes says they often feel doctors and counsellors tell them what to do but don’t have a personal understanding of what they are experiencing.
“They feel comfortable (at The Inner Man Project) because it’s a peer rather than someone telling them what to do,” said Ekes. “We don’t give advice unless asked for … we have a conversation. It is a judgment-free zone.”
Two professional counsellors and a psychiatrist oversee the work to ensure compliance, said Eckes. Some people are referred by doctors and organizations in the provincial building. Others refer themselves.
Eckes says the past 12 months have been particularly hard for many. Supports they normally depend on have not been there, or their circumstances became more challenging.
The name of the organization reflects “our real self – the true vulnerable self,” said Eckes.
Peer sessions can take up to two-and-a-half hours, he said. A personal development program to run bi-weekly over 16 weeks is also planned.
The $50,000 provincial government community grant funding received will help to keep the lights on and start this programming.
“I am happy to see this grant of $50,000 from Alberta’s government support an organization addressing a serious concern and making a positive difference … in our community,” said Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat.
Eckes says The Inner Man includes programming for women also.
The group also depends on fundraising to support the work. You can find out more about them on Facebook: /theinnermanproject or telephone 403-878-4871.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or requires mental health support, help is available:
Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642, available 24/7. Call 911 in an emergency.
