Explore Encompas’ growing library of resources specifically for families of OPPA members. Information, tools, and resources are geared towards ensuring whole-family wellness.
Camp F.A.C.E.S.(Families and Children of Emergency Services) is a support camp which provides families who have suffered a tragic loss of a loved one an opportunity to meet others, participate in activities and experience camp life while developing new friendships.
Camp F.A.C.E.S also host weekend retreats which are devoted to families who have a loved one currently serving or retired who has been diagnosed with PTSD. Families will have the opportunity to share, connect, learn, and develop lifelong friendships through the power of Peer support and mental health oversight.
Camp Maple Leaf is a not-for-profit, sleepover camp for children of Canadian Military Families and children living with unique challenges.
https://www.campmapleleaf.net/
The Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation is a recognized national charitable organization, assisting emergency personnel and communities involved in or exposed to critical incidents. The purpose of the CCISF is to provide a network of teams, trainers and resources that enable and enhance crisis response.
https://www.ccisf.info/family-support
Family Self-Care and Recovery is a resource for families who have a loved one with a mental illness. The core of the program is to help families become informed caregivers for themselves and other family members, whose needs are as important as those of the ill relative.
https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/resource/family-self-care-recovery/
What is the First Eyes® Proactive Family Mental Health Program?
First Eyes® is a 6-hour workshop and its goal is to minimize the impact and affect that a “mental injury or illness”, like PTSD, can have on:
- an “at-risk” person
- their “partner”
- their family, and
- their friends
With early detection and a planned intervention, the likelihood for positive outcomes in a shorter period of time is increased.
What’s included in the workshop?
The workshop provides the participants (an “at-risk” person and their “partner”) with:
- clinical information about mental injuries and illnesses
- shared real-life experiences from someone who suffers from a mental injury or illness
- a better understanding of how mental injuries & illnesses impact relationships, families & friends
- an open Q & A discussion period
- a personalized “care plan” that they will create together during the workshop
- ongoing support through our website to answer any post-workshop questions
Having a care plan that can be immediately activated in time of need can save valuable time in getting all those concerned the help and support they will need to work through the challenging times ahead.
Cost: $200/couple
Learn More: https://firsteyes.ca/
Moving Beyond Stigma is useful information for families who have a family member with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. This is a resource specific for families who are navigating a family member’s concurrent disorder.
https://camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/moving-beyond-stigma
This support group provides confidential support to spouses, partners, and caregivers of first responders living with OSI or PTSD. Meetings are twice a month on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Email: firstresponderfamilyottawa@gmail.com
This guide helps families understand and identify signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. It provides information and access to resources to help support their loved ones.
Toolkit for Families is a resource for those who are supporting children, youth, and adults with a mental health or substance use disorder. Modules provide education surrounding support, recovery, and skills which are helpful when providing care to their loved one.
https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/resource/a-toolkit-for-families/