Shed Talk: A Safe Space for Men's Mental Health Conversations
‘We had something powerful’: men’s mental health the focus of Shed Talk

Image: Ctv News
Shed Talk, initiated by Kevin Halliday in Calgary, provides a supportive environment for men to discuss mental health issues. The gatherings, held bi-weekly, focus on personal stories, fostering open dialogue about topics like suicide and family struggles, aided by a social worker's presence to ensure safety.
- 01Shed Talk began in Kevin Halliday's backyard, evolving into a podcast and bi-weekly meetings in Calgary.
- 02The sessions feature intimate groups of six to eight participants, encouraging open discussions about mental health.
- 03Delaine Bennett, a registered social worker, attends meetings to provide support and ensure safety for participants discussing sensitive topics.
- 04Many men express surprise at the need for such conversations, revealing feelings of loneliness despite social networking.
- 05Halliday emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and listening to one another as a means to foster personal growth.
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Shed Talk Men’s Night, founded by Kevin Halliday in Calgary, began as informal gatherings in his backyard shed, where men shared personal stories and discussed mental health issues. The initiative has grown into a podcast and regular meetings held every second Wednesday at Halliday’s Shed Talk studio. The intimate sessions, attended by six to eight men, facilitate conversations about difficult topics such as suicide, family struggles, and personal challenges. Halliday collaborates with Delaine Bennett, a registered social worker, who ensures a safe environment for participants to express their feelings. Many attendees, including well-known figures in Calgary, report feeling isolated despite their social lives, highlighting the need for such a supportive space. Halliday's aim is to encourage men to share experiences and listen to each other, fostering a community where they can openly discuss their mental health without judgment.
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Shed Talk addresses the mental health needs of men in Calgary, providing them with a platform to share and connect.
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