Abbotsford charity gets $40K to make male counselling more affordable<\/p>\n
Published 3:35 pm Monday, May 25, 2026<\/p>\n
Archway Community Services has been providing local men with low-cost counselling programs for years, but now this Abbotsford-based charity will be able to expand the reach of these programs with the help of a recent $40,000 donation.<\/p>\n
This contribution from Prospera provides a boost to what its marketing director, Niki Parsons, said is a vital service to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cMen\u2019s mental health has long been underserved, with stigma and limited access to tailored supports preventing many from seeking help,\u201d said Parsons. \u201cClosing this gap is critical to building healthier, more resilient communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
This gap is especially significant in B.C., with a 2025 study by the Canadian Men\u2019s Health Foundation revealing that nearly 67 per cent of the adult men in the province had never used mental health services. Only Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario had higher percentages.<\/p>\n
In addition to more than two-thirds of male residents not using any of these services, 60 per cent of B.C. men reported suffering from moderate-to-high levels of stress, and 22 per cent were at moderate or severe risk of depression.<\/p>\n
Providing easy access to mental health programs for any local men who might fall into these categories is extremely important, said Maria Cargnelli, associate director of early years and counselling at Archway.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese funds help us remove financial barriers and ensure that people who are struggling can access timely, compassionate mental health support,\u201d said Cargnelli.<\/p>\n