Discover Creative Coping: A Peer Support Program Event

June 4, 2024 - Defence Stories

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), invites you to join a Peer Support Program event this summer for people affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma who are 18 years and older. This is a free event. All you need is a pen, pencil and paper (colour pencils are optional). No prior art skills are required to participate.

Discover Creative Coping is a two-part virtual event connecting peers to explore coping strategies after sexual trauma and to learn a new coping skill: the Zentangle® Method (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)! Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, it’s an easy-to-learn, relaxing art method that reduces stress and brings calmness.

Over two meet ups, hosted on MS Teams, this event blends group discussion, art, personal reflection, and peer support to explore new ways of coping after trauma. It is open to current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans, Department of National Defence (DND) public service employees, Cadets, or Junior Canadian Rangers, 18 years and older.

While you don’t need to attend both parts, you must be available to attend part one to register for the event. Each English and French event has a limit of 10 participants.

English:

Part one: July 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. EST
Part two: July 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EST

French:

Part one: July 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. EST
Part two: July 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EST

Part one of the event will last two hours. The group will be guided in a brief introductory discussion, supported by a trained Peer Supporter and an SMSRC staff member, Rita Martinez Perez, who is a visual artist. They will discuss coping with strong emotions, thoughts, and reactions that can arise post trauma. Then, the group will have an interactive presentation from Rita. Peers will not only learn about this method but have the chance to start their own project!

Part two of the event will be held two weeks later. This 90-minute meet up, hosted by a trained Peer Supporter and Rita, invites participants to further explore a new coping skill using the Zentangle® Method, receive and give peer support, and continue the discussion from the first meet up in a supportive, safer environment.

To join a group, reach out to SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca or the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648 before 28 June or visit: Discover Creative Coping: A Peer Support Program event.