This Movember, Waypoint is shining a light on men’s mental health with our “Man Up for Mental Health” campaign - a simple but powerful way to remind men in our community that they’re not alone and that it’s okay to talk about mental health.
When men are supported to talk openly about their struggles, they’re more likely to seek help early, manage stress in healthy ways, and build stronger, safer relationships. Addressing men’s mental health is an important part of addressing intimate partner violence. By promoting emotional well-being, self-awareness, and support, we help reduce the conditions that can lead to harm for both men and their families.
Real men check-in on each other
Talking about mental health doesn’t always come naturally. For a lot of men, opening up about stress, emotions or personal struggles can be tough.
But checking in on someone doesn’t have to mean sitting down for a serious heart-to-heart. Watching the game, grabbing a bite to eat, going for a drive or tossing a ball around can create opportunities to talk without the pressure.
Not sure what to say? Try these:
- “How have you really been doing lately?”
- “You’ve seemed a little off lately. Everything good?” Let them know you’ve noticed without putting them on the spot.
- “Got a lot on your plate right now?” Give them an opening to talk about what’s weighing on them.
- “Want to grab a bite and catch the game this weekend?” Spending time together can be just as important as talking.
- “I’m around if you ever need to talk.” Make sure they know they can count on you.
Not every conversation needs to be about mental health. Invite a friend out for coffee, hit the gym together, or make plans. Staying connected and spending time together can make it easier to open up when something’s wrong.
And if someone does open up, you don’t need to fix everything. Just listen, take them seriously and remind them they’re not alone.
Men’s mental health matters. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a step toward strength, recovery, and connection.
- Men account for ~75% of suicides in Canada. It’s an average of 50 men a week dying by suicide. 1
- Around 67% of men have never accessed professional mental health care, and only about 30% of people who use mental health services are men
- In 2019, 1,666,200 Canadian men over the age of 15 reported that they had seriously contemplated suicide in their lifetime.
- Roughly 64 % of men report moderate to high levels of stress, and 50 % say they lack sufficient social support networks. 4
- Moderate-to-high anxiety impacts 57% of young men, 45% of gay or bisexual men, and 42% of racialized men. 5
Support Services for you
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP)
Confidential. Flexible. Free. Help that works — when you’re ready.
Waypoint’s Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program offers practical, proven support designed to help men build tools to manage their mental health.
Through guided self-help, group sessions, or one-on-one therapy, you can choose the level of care that fits you best. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), OSP helps you tackle challenges, build resilience, and get back to feeling like yourself.
1door.ca
1door.ca makes it easier to find the mental health and addiction support that’s right for you. This online access point connects people in Simcoe County and Muskoka to local services — from counselling and crisis support to community programs.
No more searching or guessing where to start. With 1door.ca, you’ll find help faster, all through one simple connection.
Rehabilitation Services
Recovery doesn’t end when symptoms improve — it’s about rebuilding life, purpose, and confidence. Waypoint’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services help you take that next step.
Our team works with you to set goals, build daily living skills, and strengthen connections in your community. Through individualized support, group programs, and vocational services, we help you move forward with independence, hope, and a renewed sense of self.
North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub
The North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub is a safe, welcoming space where young people aged 12–25 can get the support they need — for mental health, substance use, employment, education, and more.
Run in partnership with Waypoint and community organizations, the Hub brings services together under one roof, making it easier to find help, connect with peers, and build a brighter future. No judgment, no waitlists — just support that starts where you are.
Heads Up Guys
HeadsUpGuys is a leading online resource dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. Designed by experts, it offers practical tools, self-checks, and real stories to help men recognize, manage, and recover from depression.
Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, HeadsUpGuys provides guidance that’s straightforward, stigma-free, and built for men — because reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Movember
Movember is a global movement changing the face of men’s health. Each November, men grow moustaches and raise awareness for critical issues like mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
It’s about starting conversations, taking action, and reminding men everywhere to look after their health — body and mind.
Men’s Counselling Link: 211
A free, confidential service for men — and those who identify as men — seeking support with well-being, relationships, anger, or safety. The program offers information, navigation, and counselling to help build healthier coping skills and stronger connections.
Waypoint’s Frontline Wellness
If you work on the front lines — in healthcare, emergency services, or public safety — you give your all to others. The Frontline Wellness Program at Waypoint is here to support you.
This free, confidential program offers mental health care tailored to the unique stresses of frontline work. From counselling and peer support to practical tools that build resilience, Frontline Wellness helps you protect your well-being so you can keep showing up strong — for yourself and for others.
I’ve Got Your Back 911
I’ve Got Your Back 911 is a Canadian initiative created to support the mental health of first responders — police, firefighters, paramedics, corrections officers, and others who serve on the front lines.
Built by people who understand the job, the program raises awareness, breaks down stigma, and offers real peer support for those struggling with stress, trauma, or burnout. Through its community, resources, and 24/7 confidential support line, I’ve Got Your Back 911 reminds men in uniform: you’re not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Boots on the Ground
Boots On The Ground is a confidential, 24/7 peer support service for first responders — police, fire, EMS, corrections, dispatch, and military. Staffed by current and former first responders, it offers a safe place to talk with someone who truly understands the job and its pressures.
Free, anonymous, and available anytime, Boots On The Ground helps men on the front lines find support, connection, and strength — because even heroes need someone to talk to.
Badge of Life
Badge of Life Canada supports the mental health of first responders — police, fire, EMS, and corrections. Through confidential peer support groups, resources, and education, they help men in uniform cope with trauma, build resilience, and reconnect with life beyond the job.
You’ve spent your career helping others — Badge of Life is here to help you.