Veterans and their families

The Veteran Family Program (VFP), funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, is designed specifically to support the unique needs of medically releasing CAF members, medically released Veterans and their families.

Our Family Program Coordinators

The Veteran Family Program Coordinators connect releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and families to services and resources that can facilitate the transition to civilian life.

  • Welcoming, listening, and needs assessment;
  • Information and referral to the appropriate military and community resources;
  • Intervention support and linkage with the various caseworkers involved when necessary;
  • Workshops and groups specially tailored to ease the transition to civilian life.
LifeSpeak

Platform including more than 70 training modules on different subjects releted to physical health, psychological health, interpersonal relationships and parenting. There are live video sessions during wich it is possible to interact with facilitators. Available through the website or mobile app. Veterans and their families use the username “canada” and the password “canada“.

veterans.lifespeak.com

The Mind's the Matter

Military Family Services and the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group are proud to introduce “The Mind’s the Matter” – a web-based, interactive video for CF families who may be living with someone who has an Operational Stress Injury (OSI).

This initiative is a first-of-its-kind tool for Canadian Forces families. It provides real life solutions for spouses and teens coping with a difficult situation.

Interactive video for spouse
Interactive video for teen

Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Resource

An online learning tool designed for families and peer caregivers to improve the management of challenges related to the role of peer assistance. You’ll find information about OSI, the potential impact on caregivers and strategies for dealing with it. In partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Royal Ottawa Health Group and the Government of Canada. Free, no registration required.

More information

Workshops and groups

Compassion Fatigue Workshop

You question yourself about the compassion fatigue ? You want to learn about it ?

This workshop aims to improve the knowledge of compassion fatigue and how to prevent it, express concerns about it and provide resources.

Workshop: Building Strengths: A Family Affair (Transition Initiative)

A workshop for spouses of military personnel who have been discharged or are in the process of being discharged, providing a space to explore, understand, and better cope with the impact of the transition from military to civilian life on the entire family.

Mental Health First Aid

Come learn how to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health issue or in crisis. This training is designed for the veteran community, their family members, and peer supporters.

Living your life to the fullest

Learn how to sleep better, feel more energetic, confident and happy, develop relationships and help others.

Workshop: Life Plan

A workshop designed to support motivated veteran volunteers in developing a life plan aimed at personal growth. This project is also intended to be meaningful for anyone who would like to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the development and well-being of their community—whether through part-time or full-time employment, community involvement, or the launch of a project aligned with their areas of interest.

Group: E=MC3 (Working Together for a Better Understanding)

Families with children aged 7–11
A group for families in which one parent is living with an operational stress injury (OSI). Sessions are held for children, parents, and the whole family. This group aims to build the strengths of each family member in order to improve individual and family well-being.

Group: OSI for Teens

Ages 12–17
A group for teens aged 12 to 17 who have a parent living with an operational stress injury (OSI).
This group allows teens to connect with other young people facing similar challenges, gain a better understanding of OSI and its effects, and identify strategies to help them cope with daily life.

Group: Support Group for Spouses (OSI)

A support group for spouses of military personnel or veterans with an operational stress injury (OSI), designed to facilitate sharing and mutual support in order to better understand personal, marital, and family experiences, as well as to better cope with challenges related to OSI, including the role of a caregiver.

Caméléon Group

Support group for adults who grew up with a parent who is a service member or veteran with an operational stress injury (OSI). This group allows participants to discuss the challenges and impacts of OSI and to better understand their needs as adults.

OSI Workshop

A workshop designed to help spouses of military personnel and veterans with operational stress injury (OSI) learn more about OSI and its effects.

Workshop: OSI Couple

Workshops designed for couples in which one partner is living with an operational stress injury (OSI). The workshops explore various theoretical aspects of OSI and couple dynamics, offering participants the opportunity to apply these concepts to their relationship.