The Cobourg Police Service has launched its Military Veteran Wellness Program (MVWP).
This program, launched in 2022 and developed by the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association (TPMVA), Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program, aims to enhance support for military veterans and increase training and awareness opportunities for law enforcement to assist veterans in crisis.
It’s designed to equip frontline officers with the necessary awareness and training to better recognize and understand military veterans’ issues.
It also provides a formal mechanism to connect veterans with essential social services delivered through RCL, VAC, and OSISS.
Training has begun for CPS uniform officers and is anticipated to be completed by October 31.
“The Military Veteran Wellness Program not only enhances our officers’ ability to recognize and support veterans in need but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and those who have served our country. Many police officers in Canada come from a military background, including some of our officers; this program is particularly significant,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service. “By providing specialized training and resources, we are better equipped to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, ensuring they receive the dignity, respect, and support they deserve. This initiative ultimately contributes to a safer, more compassionate community.”
How it works:
When a CPS member encounters an individual they believe may be a military veteran, they can offer to refer the veteran to VAC, RCL, and OSISS through the Military Veteran Assistance Form.
Following a police referral, these national services will contact the veteran and provide a case worker, advocate, and/or peer to offer assistance and support.
In addition to providing dignity to Canadian Armed Forces veterans, the MVWP aims to reduce the number of veterans living without a home or in mental health crisis, increase public safety in communities across Canada,
and provide additional resources for law enforcement members for their own well-being.
Resources:
VAC has targeted services and benefits to improve the well-being of current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or their family members.
Visit veterans.gc.ca/services to learn more.
