As Paternity Week approaches across Quebec and Father’s Day nears, it’s a great time to celebrate fathers and their contributions to families and communities. Studies show English-speak- ing fathers in Quebec face unique challenges:

• Nineteen per cent report high psychological distress, compared to 12 per cent of francophone fathers.

• Eleven per cent have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year – nearly double the rate of their francophone counterparts.

These figures underscore the need for targeted support to help English-speaking dads navigate fatherhood and mental health challenges. At Jeffery Hale Community Partners and our Wellness Centre, we provide safe spaces for fathers to connect, share experiences and access vital resources.

WE Dads is a program offering activities and resources to foster connection and well- being, from movie nights to outdoor events. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/wedads.

The Men’s Health Program, formerly Buddy Up, this initiative promotes mental health and community engagement, including weekly drop-in basketball games.

The Living Without Violence Program is a 20-week anger management course that helps men develop emotional regulation, conflict resolution and healthy coping skills in a supportive environment.

We are excited to expand our programs to better support fathers, strengthen families and foster a connected community. A highlight of Paternity Week is our Family Kickoff to Summer on Saturday, June 7, at 1601 Chemin Saint Louis – a fun-filled event with activities, games, and opportunities to celebrate fatherhood. Learn more at wejh.ca/events-calendar. (The event will be cancelled in case of rain.)

As we honour fathers during Paternity Week and Father’s Day, let’s acknowledge their dedication, love and impact. Visit wejh.ca to explore our Family Matters and WE Mind Mental Health program pages, and keep an eye out for our new Men’s Health section coming soon.