Adult Family & Friends of OSI-CAN Support Groups

OSI-CAN provides peer groups that aid in the recovery and resiliency of the family as a whole. At times, adult family and friends of those affected by Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI's) and Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) often may be seeking or require connections and resources of their own.

OSI/PTSI can occur when a person directly experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This can also happen with repeated exposure to traumatic events and details as with OSI’s target group; military, first responders, 911 dispatchers and corrections staff.

Being the caregiver or support for someone with OSI sometimes means facing battles of your own. Feelings of isolation, lack of support or understanding are common traits often shared among family members. We offer support, understanding, hope, knowledge, strength and encouragement.

Understanding the symptoms and language of mental-wellbeing can help you to understand what your loved one with an OSI is experiencing. Better mental-health literacy and education might also assist the family in accepting their journey through the healing process.

Those who are in a care/ support position within the family can be especially affected. This vicarious trauma can become a real and complicating factor for individuals in this situation.

Family & Friends Peer Groups

Groups may require pre-registration to ensure availability and the confidentiality of participants.

To register simply contact the group lead nearest you.

TBD (Coming Soon).

British Columbia Resources

Mental Health Helpline 24/7:1-877-303-2642
CMHA Distress Line 24/7: 310-6789

(HELP)
For Community Resources Call 211

BC Provincial Coordinator: 250-251-1653
osican.bc@gmail.com

The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, Social Workers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Emergency Communications Specialists, Victim Services Personnel, Wildland Firefighters, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.

OSI-CAN Target Demographic

Our mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the continuous well-being and recovery process of Veterans and Front Line Protectors across Canada.

We seek to empower and encourage them to strive for recovery through peer and professional support while creating greater public awareness.

We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury you can recover from. If you are suffering from the symptoms of an Occupational or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help