Increasing and Improving Men’s Health Awareness: Meet Chris Bourque

A Social Worker by trade, CBU Mental Health Counsellor, Chris Bourque, spent most of his career in the public mental health system before joining the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre (NDHCC) in the Fall of 2023. Born and raised in Yarmouth County, Chris moved to Cape Breton with his wife Susan, who is originally from the Island, in 2014. He continued his work in the public health sector until the opportunity to join the team at the NDHCC arose in June 2023.

Now, with a year at the Centre under his belt, Chris says his favourite part is having the opportunity to work alongside so many bright and thoughtful students from around the world. “Coming to work every day to an environment where there is so much positive energy, a sense of belonging and a focus on growth is truly motivating,” he says. “I can’t say enough good things about the employees that I have the pleasure to work alongside. Whether it’s the Athletics Department, the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre or Unama’ki College, they’re all incredible.”

Recently, Chris helped make waves within the University alongside the NDHCC by assisting with the launch of their newest initiative, the CBU Men’s Alliance. After witnessing the resounding success the NDHCC had with other initiatives such as the Peer Support and Empowerment groups, a number of students got together and proposed the idea of offering similar supports directed specifically at male-identifying students who may be struggling.

“The CBU Men’s Alliance will provide a space where men’s issues are given importance, support and opportunities for development,” says Chris. “The group will provide an environment for men to learn from one another, participate in campus and community activities, promote strengths and challenge cultural norms.”

The Men’s Alliance will be a joint effort, with students and employees co-leading the initiative. Chris will work alongside student leadership to coordinate and provide oversight for group-related activities. The initiative’s organizers have already displayed a great interest in promoting men’s health, supporting one another and working toward effective change.

Chris says launching this initiative last month during Movember felt very appropriate. Movember is a globally recognized initiative where men are encouraged to grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental and physical health. “The Movember initiative has done such a good job of promoting men’s health issues since 2004,” Chris says. “Our group felt it was a natural fit to soft-launch our new initiative during the month of November, which has historically placed focus on issues related to men’s health and well-being.”

The CBU Men’s Alliance will officially launch in January 2025. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to Chris at chris_bourque@cbu.ca.