Program services

On this page

• Eligibility
• Peer Support groups and activities
• Future potential services
• Application and intake process
• Feedback
• Contact us

From a peer: “Being a participant was a great benefit, allowed me to be vulnerable, speak and share. Felt empowering to be a part of the community. To connect and be validated.”

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• be either a current or former CAF member, Veteran, DND public service employee, Cadet or Junior Canadian Ranger
• be 18 years and older
• have experienced sexual misconduct and/or military sexual trauma (MST) during your service or in your workplace
• have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection
• for group services, be willing to take part in a virtual intake meeting with a Peer Support Regional Coordinator prior to the start of the first group session

Peer Support groups and activities

Offering a confidential and safer space where you can:

• connect
• discuss
• share
• explore coping mechanisms
• enter a healing journey in a supportive environment

All services:

• are free
• are hosted virtually via MS Teams
• are available in both English and French
• require pre-registration before the first session

You can sign up for one or more services at a time.

Types of groups

You will be placed in a group based on your preference, including gender, and you will have access to support through the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648.

Informal

This group offers sessions for peers to come together, find companionship, and talk about topics related to their shared experiences. Sessions may include relaxation activities that support the mental wellbeing of participants.

Group duration: Up to 8 virtual sessions of 90 minutes each.
Hosted by: Two trained peer supporters
Discussion topics: Chosen by participants
Group size: Up to 10 participants per group
Commitment: Drop-in, meaning once registered, participation is flexible. You can attend as many as you like.

Fall groups
Dates and time: From October 15 to December 3, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.
Deadline to register: October 4

Formal

This group combines educational material with peer support where participants can learn, grow and heal together. Learning opportunities will focus on topics relevant to sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma, and group discussions will be facilitated.

Group duration: Up to 10 virtual sessions of 90 minutes each.
Hosted by: A trained peer supporter and a mental health professional
Discussion topics: Predetermined and include impacts of trauma, moral injury, boundaries, coping, self-care, and more.
Group size: Up to 8 participants per group
Commitment: Closed group, meaning no new participants can join after the first session. Participants are requested to attend all group sessions.

Fall groups
Dates and time: From September 26 to November 28, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST (No session on October 31)
Deadline to register: September 13

Activities

We offer activities that may include, but are not limited to, mini-series, workshops, events, and guest speakers related to peer experiences.

Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week Peer Support Event

Details: Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week are an important commemorative time but they can also be very challenging, especially for affected members. This November, we want to remind you that you are not alone. Join our virtual event to connect with others and receive support. With the help of trained Peer Supporters, we will explore the significance of Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week and the emotional impacts it can have on those with military backgrounds and experiences of MST. The event will end with grounding activities to help participants feel centered and calm.

Future potential services

One-to-one Peer Support

• A peer would be matched with a trained peer supporter who has lived experience in common.
• The service would be offered virtually or in-person.

Text and talk application

• Support via text or talk through the application by a trained peer supporter.
• Anonymous and confidential.
• Additional access to the SMSRC 24/7 line supportive counsellors will also be available through the application.

Application and intake process

To participate in or to learn more about program services, please email SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca or contact the SMSRC 24/7 line to be referred to the Peer Support Program at 1-844-750-1648.

Once we receive your email or referral, you can expect the following:

1. A Peer Support Regional Coordinator (RC) will reply to your communication within one to two business days and send you an intake form in your language of choice.
2. With their help, you can complete the form and return it to them.
3. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email.
4. An RC will then contact you to schedule an intake meeting for the Informal or Formal Peer Support Group in your language of choice.
5. The intake meeting with an RC will occur before the first session where, they will explain in more detail the format and structure of the group and discuss your readiness to participate. Additionally, they will review the code of conduct, consent and confidentiality forms, and safety and emergency protocols.
6. After the intake meeting, the Regional Coordinator will follow up to confirm your spot in the group and provide you with the dates and times of the upcoming group sessions.

Note: You must complete the intake process before you can participate.

The Peer Support Program will regularly update and communicate with all interested peers who have submitted their intake form about the status of their intake process.

Feedback

Your feedback is important in shaping the support services we provide. After each session, we will gather feedback through anonymous and voluntary online surveys and invite you to participate in a post-program one-to-one discussion with a program staff member.

As we continue to collect and review feedback and evaluation forms, the program team will consider all recommendations to improve the services we offer.

Contact us

For more information, contact us by email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca. You can also contact the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648, and a counsellor will refer you to the program.