Nestled on Vancouver Island, off the westernmost edge of Canada, the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is home to a dedicated team of 400 employees, including 250 sworn officers and 150 professional support staff. When it comes to supporting their workforce, VicPD...
In my work with various first responder departments, I’ve seen a wide spectrum of engagement with wellness and peer support systems. Some departments haven’t even begun the wellness conversation, while others resemble pro sports franchises with the resources...
Peer support has undeniable benefits when it comes to mental wellbeing, but along with those benefits comes a unique set of challenges. It’s essential to explore how, as peer supporters, we can maintain our roles while prioritizing and sustaining our...
Peer support programs are integral to fostering mental and emotional well-being in first responder agencies. However, traditional peer support systems may face limitations due to an agency’s size, geographic location, funding availability, and the comfort level...
“I never thought I’d be the one sitting in a shrink’s office.” I’ve heard this countless times over my 10 years of treating first responders, veterans and actively serving military personnel. The internal conflict is visible as they sit forward on my couch with...
