The Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association is launching a new initiative with the Lonely Man Project to address men’s mental health challenges.

The aim of Harbour Strong: Men’s Mental Health Network is to bring together men and boys across four regions of the province to have conversations about mental health through land-based discussions.

The Association says the land will be used as a setting for healing, noting that land-based discussion is an Indigenous practice that is “known to be particularly effective in supporting men’s mental health.”

Participants will participate in winter activities such as dogsledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing all while having mental health discussions.

CMHA-NL Executive Director Chandra Kavanagh says the process was heavily influenced by discussions with Indigenous groups, particularly the Nunatsiavut Government.

She says their feedback helped the Association understand the value of men connecting with each other on the land and while doing activities together.

She says men have trouble opening up in a more clinical, or face-to-face approach. However, research suggests that a “shoulder-to-should” method, where they are working together and doing things outdoors, allows men to open up better.)

CMHANL says the provincial government has provided funding for the project.

More information, including dates and locations, will be announced soon.