Join the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention in Grande Prairie for a free Psychological First Aid (PFA) training session on June 10th, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (MST)—held online via Zoom for easy access across Alberta and beyond.

This 3-hour workshop offers practical tools to support individuals in crisis by promoting calm, connection, and coping during times of stress or trauma. Whether you’re a peer supporter, chaplain, community leader, frontline responder, or someone looking to better support others, this session is a valuable resource to enhance your capacity for compassionate response.

Free registration
3 hours of live online instruction
Ideal for peer support teams, chaplains, and mental health allies
Presented by the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention – Grande Prairie

Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM MST
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE

Register now to reserve your spot!

Let’s build safer, more resilient communities—together.

Join the Lethbridge Firefighters Charitable Association on Sunday, September 24, 2023, for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in support of Legacy Place Society and A New Dawn Foundation. This annual event honors the memory of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 9/11 attacks while raising funds for organizations dedicated to supporting first responders, military personnel, and their families.

Event Overview

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the heroic journey made by rescuers on 9/11. Whether you complete the challenge in 30 minutes or two hours, this is a time to reflect, honor, and show gratitude for those who gave their lives in service.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023
Location: Melcor Centre, Lethbridge, AB
Registration Deadline: Register by September 1, 2023, to receive a free t-shirt.

Hydration & Safety: Water and light snacks will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their preferred refreshments, wear appropriate footwear, and hydrate regularly during the climb.

How You Can Participate

1. Climb and Fundraise: Participants are encouraged to seek sponsors through pledges. Access the pledge form here.
2. Donate Directly: Not climbing? You can still contribute to this important cause by donating here.

Beneficiaries

• Legacy Place Society: A registered provincial charity providing mental health support and resources for first responders, military personnel, and their families. Learn more at Legacy Place Society.
• A New Dawn Foundation: Serving families of first responders in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta with access to counseling and mental health services. Learn more at A New Dawn Foundation.

Participant Guidelines

1. Warm Up & Hydrate: Arrive prepared for a challenging but rewarding climb.
2. Stay Safe: Follow the designated routes (one stairwell for ascent, one for descent).
3. Teamwork Encouraged: While the climb is an individual task, we promote supporting each other along the way.
4. Registration & Waivers: All participants must sign a waiver. Pick up your package at Lethbridge Supplements and Vitamins on Friday, September 22nd, 12:00–6:00 PM, or check in at the event if unable to attend package pick-up.

Why Participate?

By joining this climb, you’ll be part of a meaningful event that not only commemorates the heroic efforts of 9/11 but also supports ongoing mental health initiatives for those who protect and serve our communities.

The Veterans Transition Network (VTN) offers comprehensive programs designed to support veterans transitioning to civilian life. The Men’s Transition Skills Course is starting on June 16—with just one spot remaining—one hour west of Red Deer. If you’re a veteran looking for support, this is a fantastic opportunity to join the waitlist. Our next round of courses will begin in September, so make sure to secure your place!

We are also offering a program for female veterans in BC, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered. This initiative allows women veterans to receive the support they need to successfully transition to civilian life.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out directly to us!

Contact Information

Jenna Bind
Operations Coordinator, Western Canada
Veterans Transition Network

622-470 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5

• Office: (604) 559-8155
• Cellular: (778) 789-9464

Learn more about the Veterans Transition Network

What We Offer

• Connection: Our courses are led by specially trained psychologists and counselors, offering veterans peer support from paraprofessionals who have successfully graduated from our programs. This peer connection creates a solid foundation for transition.
• Communication: Military language often doesn’t translate well to civilian life. In this course, we help you bridge that gap and develop communication skills that enhance both professional and personal relationships.
• Self-Maintenance: Operational stress impacts veterans long after they leave the service. Our program covers the reasons behind this stress and offers strategies to help veterans restore balance and improve their quality of life.
• Future Planning: Transitioning from military life presents numerous challenges. We guide you through creating concrete plans for finding purpose and satisfaction after service, addressing shifts in daily routines, responsibilities, and finances.

Why Choose the Veterans Transition Network?

Our program is unique because it combines professional guidance with the peer support that only veterans can provide. Each course focuses on real-world skills, personalized care, and lasting change.

For more information or to apply, visit our Veterans Transition Network website or get in touch with Jenna Bind today.

Leaving the public safety sector (PSP) is a significant life change for both PSP members and their families. As transition planning becomes more recognized, it highlights the impacts of this change on mental health, identity, relationships, and social connections.

This Families Matter Research Group Interactive Series features a panel discussion with experts, including Dr. Christina Harrington, PhD, RSW, Laura Kloosterman, Executive Director of Badge of Life Canada and Retired OPP Constable (32 years of service), Dean Wilkinson, Retired Paramedic (47 years of service), and Bill Turner, Retired Police Sergeant and Peer Supporter. Together, they will share practical strategies and reflections on managing post-service life with family.

This open event welcomes everyone, but registration is required. The event will gather important information to expand a network that will serve PSP families across Canada.

Afterward, attendees will complete a survey to guide the development of PSP Families Network activities, helping shape future themes, frequency, and formats.

Acknowledging Our Supporters

We thank the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for their Partnership Development Grant supporting the Families Matter initiative. This event is organized in collaboration with CIPSRT, CIMVHR, and Vanier Institute of the Family, with additional support from the Medavie Foundation.

Register for the May 25, 2023, Webinar

Why Attend This Event?

• Learn from experts: Gain valuable insights from those who have navigated PSP transition firsthand.
• Understand mental health impacts: Discover strategies to manage emotional challenges, relationships, and identity post-service.
• Contribute to shaping future support: Help build a supportive network for PSP families in the future.

Wounded Warriors Canada Warrior Kids Virtual Program: Empowering Children of Veterans and First Responders

Legacy Place Society is proud to highlight the Wounded Warriors Canada Warrior Kids Virtual Program, a fantastic initiative supporting children of Veterans and First Responders impacted by Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI). This free program will begin in Winter 2023 and is designed for kids aged 8 to 16 who are living with a parent affected by operational stress injuries.

What Is the Wounded Warriors Canada Warrior Kids Program?

The Warrior Kids Virtual Program is a six-week evidence-informed program that provides mental health education to children about psychological injuries and their impact on their well-being. Additionally, over the course of six weeks, children will connect with peers from similar family backgrounds across Canada. By sharing experiences, they can develop coping strategies and build resilience together in a supportive and understanding environment.

Why Is This Program Important?

Children of parents impacted by PTSD or operational stress injuries often face unique challenges that affect their emotional health. As a result, the Warrior Kids program directly addresses these challenges by offering a supportive community. Furthermore, it promotes mental health awareness and equips children with the tools to navigate difficult situations, ultimately building resilience.

How to Register

Registration for the Wounded Warriors Canada Warrior Kids Virtual Program is now open! However, space is limited, so make sure to register early. Each participant will receive a Warrior Kids Kit, which will be mailed directly to their door before the program begins. Be sure to sign up soon to ensure your kit arrives on time!

Visit Wounded Warriors Canada to register for this life-changing program today.

Date: December 15 | Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)

Why QPR Training is Important

Are you looking for an accessible, impactful suicide prevention training? The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) workshop, sponsored by Living Hope – City of Edmonton, is an excellent option, especially if you haven’t had a chance to register for our ASIST classes. This training is designed to help individuals recognize the signs of suicidality, offer hope, and save lives.

No Cost for Edmonton and Area Residents

Thanks to Living Hope’s generous sponsorship, this $55 per person workshop is now available at no cost for residents in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. To register for free, simply use the discount code provided by Living Hope. This is a limited-time opportunity, so don’t miss out!

What You’ll Learn in the QPR Workshop

The Imagine Institute for Learning is a certified provider of QPR training, and this workshop will teach you essential skills to help those in crisis. During the training, you will learn:

1. Question – How to ask someone about their suicidal thoughts or intent.
2. Persuade – How to encourage the individual to seek help and accept support.
3. Refer – How to connect the person with the appropriate resources and professional assistance.

These three steps form the core of QPR training and can make the difference between life and death.

The Importance of Suicide Prevention Education

Suicide prevention education plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicidality. This training is designed for service providers, front-line workers, and community members, empowering them to identify signs of suicidality and refer individuals to the necessary support systems.

By learning how to intervene appropriately, we can create a more supportive and informed community.

How to Register for the QPR Workshop

It’s easy to sign up for the QPR training session. Simply follow the link below to register and use the discount code provided by Living Hope to attend for free:

https://www.imagineinstitute.ca/bookings

What to Expect Before the Training

Once registered, you’ll receive the Zoom link and training materials 1-2 days before the event. Make sure to check your email for this important information to ensure you’re ready for the workshop.

Join Us for a Life-Changing Workshop

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills that can help prevent suicide and support individuals in crisis. Whether you’re a service provider, community member, or someone who wants to make a difference, QPR training equips you with the tools to save lives.

Don’t miss this chance to make a positive impact. Register today!

This study is being led by Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos and the PSPNET Families Team at the University of Regina and with support from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment .

For more information about this study, please see the following link: [https://www.pspnet.ca/sso-wellbeing-course]

If you would you be so kind as to forward this email to PSP families, organizations and associations within the PSP community, it would be a great help. If you have any questions about this research, please do not hesitate to contact us at pspnetfamilies@uregina.ca.

Thank you very much for your time. 

Best regards,  The PSPNET Families Team

Families Matter Research Group: Communicating About Trauma – A Special Event for PSP Families

Date & Time: May 12, 2022, 9:00 AM (11:00 AM EST)

Trauma is a difficult but important topic, especially for families of Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Recognizing the significance of this, the Families Matter Research Group recently launched an event that focused on one of the most crucial areas: communicating about trauma. We invite PSP families to join us for a special session with two expert therapists who specialize in trauma and its impact on individuals and their loved ones.

Expert Speakers on Trauma and Its Impact

We are honored to welcome two renowned specialists in the field of trauma:

1. Dr. Tim Black, R. Psych., Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria and National Clinical Co-Advisor at Wounded Warriors Canada. Dr. Black will lead the discussion on understanding trauma—what it is and why it’s essential to address it.
2. Dr. Rachel Dekel, Full Professor in the School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Dr. Dekel will focus on how trauma can manifest in couples, providing valuable insights for families navigating these challenges together.

Following their presentations, there will be a moderated question-and-answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions both before and during the event, ensuring that everyone can engage in the conversation safely and anonymously.

Why You Should Attend

This event is designed for families of PSP, but it’s open to all who wish to learn more about trauma and its effects. Registration is required, and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain essential knowledge and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Trauma: Gain a deeper understanding of trauma’s effects on individuals and relationships.
• Support for Families: Learn how trauma can impact couples and families, and discover strategies to communicate effectively.
• Engagement with Experts: Benefit from the expertise of Dr. Tim Black and Dr. Rachel Dekel, who bring years of experience in the field of trauma therapy.

Following the event, attendees will be asked to complete a survey to help shape future PSP Families Network activities. This feedback will be invaluable in designing future events that best serve and support PSP families across Canada.

Register Today

Join us for this important conversation. Click here to register and be part of a growing network of PSP families who support each other through trauma and healing. Together, we can build a stronger, more informed community.