October 2021
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In this edition:
Programs and services
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is October 10. This day is a time to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. Did you know that in 2020, 71% of Veterans who received disability benefits for a mental health condition had PTSD?
Mental health is important for well-being and quality of life. There are a variety of resources to help Veterans, family members and caregivers take care of their mental health:
- VAC Assistance Service is available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, or caregivers, including those who aren’t clients of VAC. Get support right now from a mental health professional by calling 1-800-268-7708 (TDD/TYY: 1-800-567-5803).
- Operational stress injury clinics provide in-person and virtual assessment, treatment and support to address mental health issues related to service. Veterans, CAF and RCMP members can access the clinics through referral. Family members may also receive or participate in some of the services provided through the clinics.
- Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) is a national peer support network that provides social support to CAF members, Veterans and their families who are living with the impacts of an Operational Stress Injury .
- Pastoral outreach services are available to Veterans or their immediate family for spiritual support if they are dealing with end of life issues, or experiencing loss of a loved one.
- The HOPE Program is another resource where bereaved families can obtain confidential peer support by connecting with families who have gone through a similar experience as their own.
- The Veteran Family Program connects medically releasing and released Veterans and their families to community supports.
Veteran success story
Roger Chabot: Veteran artist
Retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces allowed Roger Chabot to pursue his lifelong passion full-time, while keeping him connected to his military family.
Read about how Roger’s CAF career inspires his art.
Veteran success story: Roger Chabot – Veterans Affairs Canada
Engagement with the Veteran community
Rehabilitation Program: Let’s Chat!
Are you a Veteran or family member with experience in our Rehabilitation Program? If so, we want to connect with you to hear how we can improve our rehabilitation services. Please reach out by 31 October 2021 to share your thoughts and perspectives.
We are looking for a broad group of Veterans and their families, including those who identify as Indigenous, a racialized group, LGBTQ2+ and persons with a disability, to ensure our rehabilitation service delivery is inclusive and equitable.
Over the next several months, you’ll be invited to virtual discussions in the official language of your choice. The goal is to understand how proposed changes to the Rehabilitation Program would affect program participants. Sessions will last 30 minutes to an hour.
In your email, please include any accessibility requirements you may have so that we can best support your participation.
Know a Veteran or family member who may want to chat? Tell them about these discussions too, so that everyone has the chance to participate.
Indigenous Veteran rocks Indigenous Day Live 2021
More than 500,000 people watched Chief Petty Officer (Retd) Debbie Eisan on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) on Indigenous Day Live this summer. It’s one success of the new partnership between APTN and Veterans Affairs Canada.
In her 60-second video, Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class (Retd) Eisan spoke about her experience as an Indigenous Veteran. It highlights the many sacrifices Indigenous Veterans have made to Canada.
Indigenous Day Live is the nation’s largest event in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. Cultural and musical performances bring Canadians together in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ unparalleled contributions to Canada.
Learn all about this year’s Indigenous Day Live.
The Faces of Freedom Podcast series will return
Stay tuned for a brand new edition of our Faces of Freedom Podcast series coming your way just in time for Veterans’ Week 2021.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, check out our previous series covering a wide variety of stories from generations of Canadians.
Commemoration
Deadline approaches for Commemorative Partnership Program Community War Memorial funding
Is your community looking to create or expand on an existing war memorial? Look no further than our Commemorative Partnership Program.
Don’t miss out! November 1 is the deadline for Commemorative Partnership Program applications for community war memorial projects.
The Commemorative Partnership Program can provide financial support for projects commemorating the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada. Your community can help create a lasting legacy to remember our Canadian heroes.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit our website, or contact the Commemorative Partnership Program directly.
Bring the spirit of Remembrance Day into your classroom
We have new learning resources for students of all ages, just in time for Veterans’ Week.
Our popular classroom materials are now available in both print and digital formats. Best of all, they’re free.
The deadline for ordering print editions to make sure they reach you by Remembrance Day is October 27.
We have a limited number in stock, so submit your order today. Because when they’re gone, they’re gone!
Learn more here.
Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Feel free to share it with them.
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