A free, two-day course aims to help offer support to veterans and their families.
The Nov. 21 to 22 course, provided by the Mainland BC Military Family Resource Centre (BCMFRC) is available to Squamish residents and extends to the families and support workers of those who have served and been medically discharged — or anyone interested in attending. It will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites in North Vancouver from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.
The program was originally launched in April 2018 to help support health and well-being as veterans return to civilian life. It will cover mental health issues including mood, anxiety, and trauma-related substance use disorders. Skills addressed will include dealing with drug overdoses, suicidal behaviour, psychosis, panic attacks and acute stress reaction.
"Mental health issues are often met with significant stigma in the world. That's what's so great about Mental Health First Aid - Veteran Community: because the course is about helping others, participants don't have to worry about standing out as having a problem if they attend. In this way, the course is truly non-threatening for those who'd like to learn more about dealing with these issues," Tracy Cromwell, BCMFRC executive director, said in a press release about the program.
Register and find more information at veterans@bcmfrc.com.
