(Toronto, July 25, 2024) – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario Division is pleased to announce open enrollment for its remaining Resilient Minds™ courses and Train-the-Trainer workshops for peer instructors, that will be delivered virtually in 2024. This initiative supports the psychological well-being of career and volunteer firefighters across Ontario.
The Resilient Minds program is a peer-to-peer skill-building initiative that equips firefighters with strategies to manage occupational stress and enhance personal resilience. Developed in collaboration with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, the program has been expanding nationwide since its inception in 2015. Working closely with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, this valuable resiliency program will be available to fire departments across the province. This year, the program received over $275,000 from the Government of Ontario.
“Between now and December 2024, our goal is to train firefighters across 60 fire departments, throughout the province, using the 4R Action Toolkit (Recognize, Respond, Resource, Reconnect) that will help firefighters manage the impacts of their work, enhance personal resilience, and support colleagues and the public during psychological crises,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario.
“The Resilient Minds program provides valuable support to Ontario’s volunteer firefighters,” said Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario. “Firefighters face immense challenges in the line of duty, and this program ensures they have the tools needed to manage stress and stay strong. By investing in their mental health, we are not only enhancing their well-being but also strengthening communities across Ontario.”
“Without the mindfulness to become aware of how trauma affects us and everyone in our lives, an already difficult job becomes much more challenging in the fire service,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal. “I’m grateful to CMHA Ontario for this initiative and urge everyone in the fire service to take advantage of the Resilient Minds program and to take the first step in enhancing your personal resilience.”
For more information and to register for Resilient Minds, please visit resilientmindsontario.ca or contact the team at resilientminds@ontario.cmha.ca. Limited number of Resilient Minds Courses and Train-the-Trainer workshops are available and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization funded by the provincial government. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health system development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health.
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For more information, contact:
Elham Bidgoli Director, Communications
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
ebidgoli@ontario.cmha.ca