Cobourg Police Service Launches Military Veteran Wellness Program

Pete Fisher
1 month ago
• Categories: Local, Police Blotter

The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) is proud to announce the commencement of the Military Veteran Wellness Program (MVWP) in Cobourg.

This program, developed by the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association (TPMVA), Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program, aims to enhance support for military veterans and increase training and awareness opportunities for law enforcement to assist veterans in crisis.

Launched in the summer of 2022 and endorsed by Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, Ministry of the Solicitor General, the MVWP is designed to equip frontline officers with the necessary awareness and training to better recognize and understand military veterans’ issues. This program facilitates rapport-building and provides a formal mechanism to connect veterans with essential social services delivered through RCL, VAC, and OSISS.

Training has begun for CPS uniform officers and is anticipated to be completed by October 31, 2024. This training will enhance officers’ ability to identify and support veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and resources available.

“The Military Veteran Wellness Program not only enhances our officers’ ability to recognize and support
veterans in need but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and those who have served our
country. Many police officers in Canada come from a military background, including some of our officers; this program is particularly significant,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service.

“By providing specialized training and resources, we are better equipped to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, ensuring they receive the dignity, respect, and support they deserve. This initiative ultimately contributes to a safer, more compassionate community.”

How it works
When a CPS member encounters an individual they believe may be a military veteran, they can offer to refer the veteran to VAC, RCL, and OSISS through the Military Veteran Assistance Form. Following a police referral, these national services will contact the veteran and provide a case worker, advocate, and/or peer to offer assistance and support.

In addition to providing dignity to Canadian Armed Forces veterans, the MVWP aims to reduce the number of veterans living without a home or in mental health crisis, increase public safety in communities across Canada, and provide additional resources for law enforcement members for their own well-being.

Resources
VAC has targeted services and benefits to improve the well-being of current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or their family members. Visit veterans.gc.ca/services to learn more.

24-Hour Assistance Lines
• VAC Assistance Service Line: 1 (800) 268-7708 TDD/TTY: 1 (800) 567-5803
• Canadian Forces Family Information Line: 1 (800) 866-4546
• If you know someone who served in the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadia Mounted Police
who is homeless or at risk of being homeless, call 1-866-522-2122.