Badge Of Life Canada

Badge of Life Canada itself does not offer peer support services.  We have sought out and validated the existence of peers with lived experience and groups who are presently doing peer support work within their communities.  We look for positive growth amongst those who are listed as having lived experience and confirm that they have their own self-care plans to ensure their own well-being as they work to support others. We believe that mental health professionals are part of the journey and maintenance in a healthy life of a survivor.

It is incumbent upon each person who reaches out to an individual with lived experience or peer group to determine if they are the right fit for their individual needs.

Empathy may be the key connecting factor – recognizing a person who has walked in their shoes.  Others will want specific groups for specific people and building a comfort and trust in each other before allowing new strangers in. Mixing police with civilians can be problematic as our experiences often vary largely on the trauma scale and it has been noted that those outside policing can become traumatized listening to police career experiences. 

Looking to add your group?  Contact: syd@badgeoflifecanada.org

Canada Wide - Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)

The Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada work in partnership to deliver Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS). Our services complement other mental health and family support services available from both departments.

At OSISS, we provide a national peer support network for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families experiencing an operational stress injury (OSI). First responders may be included in the group dependant on the resources available in that area.

The OSISS network is coordinated by screened, trained peers who bring firsthand experience and practical knowledge of what it is like to struggle with an OSI or to live with someone with an OSI.

Within the program, confidentiality is paramount. Your identity and discussions with us are held in confidence, except in situations of imminent harm to a person, child abuse, or subpoena.

Why peer support?

If you or your family member have an OSI, the road to wellness can be hard to navigate. Peer support connects you with an understanding ear, a supportive community of people with similar experiences, help to set goals, and effective resources that can help.

Breaking down the stigma and providing social support has led many Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families to seek the help they need and change their lives for the better.

OSISS in your community

The OSISS network includes 63 personnel in more than 33 locations across Canada. Members of the OSISS team provide leadership, firsthand experience and practical knowledge of what life is like with an OSI.

To connect with your local OSISS Network:

Atlantic-Provinces

Quebec

Central-Provinces- Ontario & Manitoba

Western-Provinces

Alberta

Edmonton Police Service Veteran’s assistance Program

Location: Meet at the Police Association office last Tuesday of every month.

Peer Support Coordinator Christopher Hayden
Training: CISM trained,  Attend Peer counselling at Metro Toronto Police
Education (Trauma related courses): Peer counselling, suicide prevention, active listening  CISM, CISD team leader
Years’ Experience – 27 yrs.  Edmonton Police Service
As a front-line responder: 27 years
As a peer support provider: over 15 years
Retired or Active: Retired in 2005
Background: Went through AADAC rehab center at age 22.   2.5 years on the job. Have been sober for over 37 years. Started along with another member the Peer support group within Edmonton Police Service in 1985. Worked closely with Human Resources. Participated in Training for CISD,CISM, suicide prevention. Was a crisis negotiator with EPS for 10 years.

After retiring in 2005 became part of the Veterans Assistance Program for the Service. We provide a support for retired members in crisis or in need of support. Closely work with the Service in matters involving any retired members.
Peer support aspect simply to provide an outlet for members to discuss issues in a group setting. Have access to the Services referral list and also understand that we are not doctors but will provide or steer them to professional help if needed.

Anonymous  and confidential are the cardinal rule.  We are open to retired and serving members and now beginning to reach out to other agencies.

Contact: Chris Hayden
Email: Hayden2@telus.net
Phone: 780-913-4362.

Saskatchewan

Ontario

Help Network - Halton/Hamilton, ON

Thehelpnetwork.ca Free  -  Confidential  -  Professionally Facilitated  -  Peer Support

As Emergency Service workers we look after everyone else's needs and often forget to look after our own. The Help Network group is a FREE, professionally facilitated, peer support group exclusively for First Responders personnel in Canada.

Click for article: Supportgroupbornfrom death of officer.

ALL first responders are welcome! Rules of confidentiality apply. No attendance or notes are taken. Therapist always on site.

Retired, civilian, EMS, Fire and Police. First responder ID may be required.  Tea and coffee provided.

When: biweekly on Tuesdays between 630 -830pm.

Where: 947 Rymal Rd E Hamilton - Bay Gardens Funeral Home (right beside Wendy's).  Park in the rear lot and use the back door entrance. Once inside go immediately to your left- large reception room.

For more information contact Helena

Email: helpnetwork911@gmail.com

Phone: 905 973 0307

Website: Thehelpnetwork

H.E.A.R.T. (Heart) Group - Toronto, Ontario

In 1999, Patricia Davies began and continues to facilitate, every Wednesday, a weekly support/therapy group for police officers, now in its 17th year.

The unique and confidential Heart group is open to all sworn officers active, retired or suspended from all police services.  Supported by the Toronto Police Association.

Contact: Patricia Davies,  Registered Psychotherapist BA, (Dipl.) AC, RP, (Cert.)OACCPP, ICCS, ICADC

Phone: 416 859 3579

Email:   kirmit@sympatico.ca

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The Phoenix P.T.S. Support Group

"First Responders Supporting First Responders through Operational Stress Injuries"

When?

Every Thursday evening

Time?

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Location?

St. Stephen's Anglican Church 14946 Steeles Avenue East Hornby, ON (Halton Hills) between Winston Churchill Blvd and Trafalgar Rd

WHO?

ALL first responders including dispatchers and nurses

Details:

Please Note: All participants must be dealing with a diagnosis for an identified Operational Stress Injury prior to joining the group.

For further details contact: Gary

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Please note WOC meetings are inclusive of all and do not require a diagnosis.

Wings of Change - Peer Support 

All first responders, health care professionals, dispatchers, military members and corrections workers are welcome. Join us for coffee and anonymous mental health solution based discussion. We provide a safe and stigma free environment for anyone wishing to receive peer support with regards to occupational trauma and stress. You are welcome to share your views on related topics or simply sit back and be part of an understanding group of fellow peers. Reminder - that a mental health diagnosis is NOT required to attend, and that we do not provide professional care. Crisis numbers will be provided at every meeting. We hope to see you there.

Barrie, Ontario

Location:

Contact:

 Victoria Harbour, ON

North Bay, Ontario

Location: 156 McIntyre West St., North Bay, 18:30-19:30 every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Contact: Marcel Martel 1(705) 492-2602

Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Location: Canadian Mental Health Association, 170 Fitzroy St., Charlottetown P.E.I. C1A 1S1

Contact: Meghan Colvin meganl.a.colvin@gmail.com or Tara Vasil 1(902) 867-7720