Through a new partnership, more mental health supports and services are being offered to London Fire Department employees and their families.
The department has teamed up with Wounded Warriors Canada to offer the support free of charge. Under the agreement announced Monday, the fire department will share resources and identify or refer its members who are in need of mental health support to programs offered by Wounded Warriors.
"Our members are mothers, fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. The trauma that they are exposed to each, and every day can deeply impact and affect their lives for years to come,” said Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge. “We recognize that we need to do more as an organization to educate, to reduce stigma and develop resiliency before they suffer an injury."
Bridge went on to state that when an employee does need assistance, the department needs to rally behind them to get them the help they need.
"This partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada is just one more way we can support our members to make sure they receive the care they deserve,” said Bridge.
Wounded Warriors Canada has already partnered with over 60 fire police, and paramedic services across Ontario. As a mental health service provider, the organization provides an innovative approach to trauma-informed training and counselling services. It began offering services to veterans and their families in 2007, before expanding to offer care to first responders in 2015.
“This partnership recognizes that no single organization can do it all when it comes to the complexity of operational stress and trauma related injuries impacting those who keep our communities safe," said Scott Maxwell, the executive director of Wounded Warriors. "When a first responder is struggling, what matters is that the member and their family know that we are in this together – working to ensure they receive the help they so rightly deserve."
More information about Wounded Warriors can be found on their website woundedwarriors.ca.