Let Him Cook: A men’s mental health event

On November 6, the University of Alberta Men’s Health Group held the “Let Him Cook” barbecue on Main Quad.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about men’s mental health. Any money the group earned from the barbecue will support the club in building awareness and support of men’s mental health.

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The campaign encourages men to speak openly about mental-health challenges and works to reduce stigma.

Men account for three out of every four suicides in Canada. Suicide is the second highest cause of death for men under the age of 50 in Canada. Additionally, men are far less likely to seek help than others.

During the event, The Gateway had the opportunity to speak with two executives of Men’s Health Group, as well as a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

Men’s Health Group seeks to raise awareness of men’s mental health on campus

Bashir (vice-president internal) and Farhan (vice-president events) helped organize and set up the barbecue on Main Quad.

Farhan joined the group after Alex Liu, the president of Men’s Health Group, introduced it to him.

Bashir said his little brothers inspired him to join the group. He said that the rise of red-pill ideologies and Andrew Tate pushed him to get involved. Red pill ideologies often revolve around male supremacy and traditional, patriarchal gender roles.

“That’s not the ideal of what masculinity is,” Bashir said.

The two members emphasized that they will remain visible and connected with students on campus.

Zaden, a member of Delta Upsilon, was representing his fraternity at the event. Delta Upsilon partnered with Men’s Health Group for the event. According to Zaden, the president of the fraternity wanted to increase philanthropy and community involvement, and this event was a great way to get involved.

“No one really talks about their mental health,” Zaden said.

Members of the fraternity were rotating in shifts on the barbecue and speaking with people on campus throughout the course of the event.

Although they were hoping to attract potential recruits to the fraternity, their priority was mental health awareness.

“My goal for this event was to help break the stigma around men’s mental health and encourage open conversations,” Vig says

Following the event, The Gateway was able to talk to the two organizers and co-presidents of the group, Alex Liu and Roshant Vig.

“There is a club out there dedicated to hearing your struggles, making friendships, and supporting your mental and physical health,” Liu said.

Liu emphasized that the goal of the event was to bring awareness to men’s mental health, as well as creating a safe space for men to talk about their own struggles with mental health.

Vig echoed Liu, and added that they wanted the campus to be more aware of the existence of the group.

“Most people don’t even know our club exists,” Vig said.

Both Vig and Liu said they were very happy with the outcome of their event. They had gained a lot of traction towards the end of their barbecue. Liu even noted that they almost completely sold out of food.

Separate from the financial success, the organizers were happy with the turnout. Members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) showed up to support the club. Many students told the group they appreciated the existence of a men’s health group on campus.

“My goal for this event was to help break the stigma around men’s mental health and encourage open conversations,” Vig said.

Liu and Vig both said that the event was one step of many to creating a more supportive environment for men’s mental-health on campus.