David St. James – Men’s Shed, Grande Prairie

When I first discovered the Men's Shed, my life was in a very dark place. I was struggling with social anxiety, depression, and stress, and I rarely left my home. Meeting people was incredibly challenging for me, and I didn't have any friends. My family encouraged me to get out more, but I just couldn't find the courage.

Everything changed when I came across a flyer for the Men's Shed at a building I was visiting. My wife suggested I go, so I decided to give it a try. I attended my first meeting on a Tuesday night, and although I didn't say much, I drank coffee and listened to the conversations around me. It was the first time in a long while that I had ventured out, and it felt surprisingly good.

I continued attending, gradually becoming more comfortable. During my third meeting, I met a man named Brian. We hit it off and even went out for coffee together. This was something I never would have done before, but the Men's Shed created a safe space for me to open up. Slowly, I started making more friends and participating in activities.

The Men's Shed helped me overcome my fears and anxieties. I joined a woodworking project despite my previous traumatic experience with carpentry, where I had lost fingers in an accident. The support and encouragement from the other men helped me face my fears. By the sixth week, I knew several people by name and felt a sense of belonging I hadn't experienced in years.

With the confidence I gained from the Men's Shed, I started a model-building group. We began meeting on Monday nights to build plastic and diecast models. Initially, there were only four of us, but the group quickly grew. On our first night, nine people showed up, and the numbers continued to increase each week. The model-building group became another avenue for connection and creativity. Brian and the others supported this initiative, which allowed more men to join and share their interests. It was incredibly fulfilling to see everyone come together, helping each other and sharing our passion for model-building.

The Men's Shed has had a profound impact on my mental health. While I still deal with anxiety and depression, the sense of purpose and community I have found has enabled me to focus on the positive aspects of life. The group has provided a platform to channel my energy into productive activities, mitigating my fears and fostering a more optimistic outlook on the world.

My daughter has noticed the positive changes in me, and she even offered to write a letter of gratitude to Brian for his friendship and support. The Men's Shed provided me with a lifeline, allowing me to grow as a person and regain my confidence.

I am immensely grateful to Brian and the entire Men's Shed community for helping me find a new lease on life. This organization has been incredibly impactful, offering a safe space for men like me to connect, support each other, and overcome our struggles together.