The Belleville Police Service is proud to announce the launch of the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), a ground-breaking initiative aimed at providing critical support to military veterans in our community.
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 provides a formal mechanism to connect veterans with essential social services delivered through RCL, VAC, and OSISS – significantly addressing unique challenges faced by veterans, including mental health struggles, homelessness, and crisis situations, by connecting them with the resources and assistance they need.
How the Program Works:
· Officers within the Belleville Police Service are trained to identify and refer veterans in need to this program;
· A dedicated referral process has been established, allowing police personnel to connect veterans with tailored support services efficiently.
“Our service recognizes the sacrifices made by military veterans,” said Operations division Staff Sgt. Kyle King. “The Military Veterans Wellness Program is a tool that allows us to provide immediate and meaningful support to those who have served our country.”
The Belleville Police Service encourages the community to spread awareness about this program and its mission to uplift and support our veterans.
For more information about the Military Veterans Wellness Program or to learn how you can contribute, please visit:
https://www.tps.ca/organizational-chart/communities-neighbourhoods-command/field-services/community-partnerships-engagement-unit/military-veterans-wellness-program
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
