OTTAWA, ON — July 17, 2024 — Despite their critical role in the conflict in Afghanistan, there is little awareness about the existence and contributions of approximately 65 Afghan-Canadians, the language and cultural advisors (LCAs). Recruited to provide linguistic and cultural advice, these Canadian citizens would play a pivotal role in supporting our 40,000 Canadian soldiers while in Afghanistan. Recently published research by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families sheds light onto their experiences and challenges, including barriers in accessing support for their unique needs upon their return.
Being the soldiers’ eyes and ears while in Afghanistan, former LCAs who participated in the study faced many unexpected situations for which they felt unprepared. Despite these experiences, they described a sense of fulfilment in their contributions. It is only upon their return to Canada that the impacts of what they had experienced, such as PTSD and depression, would really start to be felt.
“We heard from our community that this was an important issue to them specifically because of the loyalty they felt to those who had supported them while deployed, assuming many of the same risks of the soldiers, and so we wanted to explore the overall experience.”
— Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute
Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute said that upon their return to Canada, despite the grave dangers they faced as they advised and accompanied soldiers, the LCAs found a significant gap between what support was available and what they felt was needed. Hosseiny added that the research is an important step in building knowledge and improving understanding of their experiences but more is still needed to develop tailored services and supports for this particular group. “We heard from our community that this was an important issue to them specifically because of the loyalty they felt to those who had supported them while deployed, assuming many of the same risks of the soldiers, and so we wanted to explore the overall experience.”
Hosseiny said common themes that emerged in the stories the LCAs shared included the reasons for which they had become LCAs, their experiences returning to post-service life, and the sense of deserving better. “These findings provide valuable insights into the unique experiences and support needs of former Afghan-Canadian LCAs, shedding lighting on their entire journey before during and after their service. The results also highlight the importance of support not only for LCAs but for all contractors deployed in conflict zones.”
Brian McKenna, National Strategic Advisor for Veterans at the Atlas Institute, who himself had two tours in Afghanistan and personally experienced the need for this kind of support said this is an important issue for him and for many others of his peers who feel their safety was maintained by the risks that the LCAs and interpreters assumed. “It isn’t about the small number who took on this role, but the number of us who feel we are alive today because of them.”
For more information, please contact:
Lori-Anne Thibault
lori-anne.thibault@theroyal.ca
613-585-9531
Quick facts:
- In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed approximately 40,000 members to Afghanistan over a period of more than 12 years. While Canada’s combat role ended in 2011, CAF personnel continued training Afghan forces until March 2014, relying on Afghan-Canadian contract interpreters (LCAs) who faced potentially traumatic experiences and lacked equivalent support upon their return compared to deployed soldiers.
- This study, led by the Atlas Institute conducted six in-depth interviews with former LCAs who immigrated to Canada before 2002, highlighting their journey from pre-service motivations to post-service challenges. The results of these interviews are summarized below:
- Motivations for becoming LCAs: Participants were driven by dual loyalties to Canada and Afghanistan, viewing their role as an opportunity to contribute positively to both nations. Factors such as cultural and linguistic expertise, financial motivations and a desire to give back to Canada were pivotal in their decisions to become LCAs.
- Challenges faced in the field: LCAs encountered significant challenges, including inadequate preparation for the realities of their roles, exposure to combat situations in conflict-zones and navigating their identities as civilian contractors in a military environment. Despite these challenges, many felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their contributions.
- Post-service transition and challenges: Upon returning to Canada, participants felt abandoned and neglected by the lack of support and resources available to them compared to their military counterparts. They experienced significant psychological and social repercussions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, strained relationships and difficulty reintegrating into their communities. The findings underscore the significant impacts of deployment on Afghan-Canadian LCAs, revealing a range of traumatic experiences related to combat stressors and challenging working conditions. Despite facing these hardships, participants reported limited post-service support, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and contributing to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD and depression.
Ottawa, ON — June 18, 2024 — During service, military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) personnel can often be exposed to events or conditions that can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). While there is growing awareness about the impact of TBI on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP Veterans and the connection to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, it remains a topic requiring further study and supportive resources.
To enhance the understanding of TBI and better support those affected, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has launched a suite of four specialized (or unique) resources. These resources are designed to build awareness and understanding of TBI and provide helpful tools and strategies to improve the quality of life for those who are navigating daily living with a TBI.
Fardous Hosseiny, Atlas Institute President and CEO, said that the number of Canadian Veterans currently living with a TBI is uncertain, given Veterans are not often screened for this condition and TBI may be underdiagnosed. “Further, since this is an emerging area, there may be misconceptions about the causes and symptoms of TBI. In the military context, there is a common belief that TBIs are mostly caused by exposure to blasts. However, there are many different situations in which people serving in the military or RCMP can be exposed to situations that can result in a TBI during their service.” He added that it is imperative that Veterans are informed about the mechanism of injury for TBIs in the military and police, as well as about common symptoms. Equally important is being knowledgeable about the pathways to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Brian McKenna, Atlas National Strategic Advisor — Veterans, said TBIs, which can include concussions, happen when the brain is injured after a sudden impact, jolt, bump or blow to the head or body or even repeated small exposures over time. “TBIs can have long-term effects on a person’s health and well-being, including behavioural, social, cognitive, physical, emotional and psychological impacts. A compounding factor that can affect diagnosis and treatment of TBI is that there can be an overlap in common symptoms for TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While both can be present at the same time, some Veterans who have a PTSD diagnosis may only come to find that they have a TBI after PTSD treatment does not alleviate all of their symptoms.” McKenna added that Veterans who present with PTSD symptoms or who have been exposed to conditions that could cause a TBI should be screened for it because symptoms can be similar for TBI and PTSD and Veterans may not recognize they have both.
Hosseiny also noted the importance of ensuring Families are equipped with information and resources to help them understand what their loved one is experiencing and to better support and care for both their impacted Family member and themselves. Not only are Family members often the first people to recognize that their loved one’s symptoms might be related to a TBI, they can also be impacted by the changes brought on in their loved one by the injury.
The resources released today by the Atlas Institute are:
- TBI 101: An overview of TBI and its causes, symptoms and ways to manage its impacts
- Tools and strategies for daily living with a TBI
- Information about TBI and PTSD, overlapping symptoms and impacts and pathways to treatment
- Information about TBI for people who work with Veterans
McKenna added that the hope with these new resources is that they will encourage and empower Veterans and Families to seek help for a possible TBI, as well as inform them about the available support and treatments to improve functioning and quality of life while living with a brain injury.
The resources are available for download at atlasveterans.ca/tbi.
For more information, please contact:
June 12, 2024 — Ottawa, ON — The release today of the final report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs’ study of the Experience of Women Veterans has highlighted and reaffirmed many of the challenges experienced by women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), issues which the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has also heard first-hand through their engagement with women Veterans.
Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute, said he is pleased Atlas had opportunity to contribute to the overall study adding that Deputy CEO, MaryAnn Notarianni and Director of Applied Research, Dr. Sara Rodrigues were invited to provide testimony to the Committee as well as through the Athena Project initiative where the advisory group of women Veterans were supported to submit a written brief to the committee.
“It is encouraging to see that there are several recommendations regarding the needs for research specific to women Veterans, including the first recommendation that calls for a collaborative approach,” he said, highlighting CAF, the RCMP, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the allied countries could all play a role in a collective response to the need.
Dr. Rodrigues said it is important to note that they highlighted issues specific for additional research, including the unique physical impact, and increased risk factors for both physical and mental health impacting women increasing evidence to inform the development of policies and programs for women Veterans. She explained that the Athena Project is an Atlas-led initiative taking a community-engaged approach to the research process. A working group was convened in the spring of 2023 to support the design and development of studies on women’s well-being. Of the study recently launched, Dr. Rodrigues, said the study explores how women’s experiences in service impact health care needs and outcomes as a Veteran. “The perspectives and insights of the women in the working group have helped guide this study on women Veterans unmet health needs. We expect that our results, expected in late 2024, will help to fill gaps in existing research, identify policy and program needs and begin to help service providers support the mental health of women Veterans.”
Hosseiny commended the Committee for undertaking such a comprehensive study in the issue which he said is crucial given women’s experiences have been underrepresented in both studies and in programming. “The work we have undertaken with the Athena Project to date has highlighted many of those same challenges the report has profiled, whether as a result of service, or due to transitioning into post-service life. Our study is examining the health care needs, experiences, and outcomes that are specific to women Veterans, including diverse women Veterans, how women Veterans navigate the services landscape, and how they support their own well-being.”
Tabitha Beynen, a Lived Experience Lead at Atlas, is a Veteran of the CAF who has brought her perspectives as a woman who has served, and also been involved in supporting the Athena Project, as well as several other projects with the Atlas Institute. She says that working in this capacity as an advisor allows her use her experiences to play a role in shaping research about the unique challenges of women Veterans.
“Engagement is key to understanding the unique experiences women have had during their service in the CAF or RCMP.” Beynen said. “Collaborating with women Veterans on research helps us ensure that questions asked, and the evidence generated, reflects the needs of those it is designed to benefit.”
For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca
Note: The Atlas Institute is able to coordinate individuals from the working group in the Athena Project for lived experience interviews if required.
OTTAWA, ON — May 28, 2024 — Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members have been impacted by sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence — also known as military sexual misconduct — at some point during their careers. The effects can be lasting and profound, not only on the person impacted, but also their loved ones.
Widely known as military sexual trauma (MST), these impacts include the psychological, physical and social “wounds” that people may feel after experiencing or witnessing sexual misconduct during their service. For Family members, there are often additional challenges associated with supporting someone who has experienced MST, including the distress Family members themselves can feel knowing that their loved one has survived such a traumatic event.
Today, in recognition of May being Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Canada, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has released a set of resources that is the first of its kind to be specifically designed for Family members or loved ones of individuals impacted by MST. These new resources aim to build understanding about MST, provide Family members with tools both as supporters of people living with this trauma and to care for themselves as they learn about it and witness its impacts, and increase their capacity to offer support. This set of resources joins a wider suite of others previously developed by Atlas for individuals impacted by MST as well as for health care providers who might be providing care and support to those affected.
MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President of Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, says that the Veteran Family community has highlighted the critical need for a variety of tools and strategies to address the often invisible wounds of MST and foster support and healing after sexual trauma during service. “Family members and friends can be an important source of support in a person’s journey towards healing from MST, but they can also be impacted and need tools and resources to care for themselves, as well as for their loved one. However, what we have heard from members of the Veteran community is that that there is currently a lack of resources available to help Veteran Family members and friends understand and navigate the impacts of their loved one’s MST.”
Laryssa Lamrock, National Strategic Advisor for Veteran Families at the Atlas Institute, notes that Family members who learn that someone they care about has experienced sexual trauma may be looking for answers on how to navigate the situation, including what to say or ways to respond and to meaningfully support themselves and their loved one.
“MST is such a complex issue — each person’s experience and healing journey can be influenced by many different factors. For Family members witnessing the impacts and trying to offer support, there can be added complexity around understanding the best path forward that takes into account their loved one’s needs, readiness and specific considerations related to military culture,” she says. “And while Family members and friends may not have directly experienced MST, they might be on the front line of support or deal with a range of emotions and feelings as a result, like isolation, anger, loneliness or shame. They may even show similar signs of trauma as their impacted loved one. As such, they need support and resources too.”
Notarianni adds that the team at Atlas recognized early into its mandate that MST was a priority requiring significant attention, including the development of resources for those impacted and for their Families.
“MST is a major public health concern for the Veteran community, with one in four women and one in 25 men reporting having experienced at least one sexual assault since joining the military,” she says. “When we began our work in 2021 of developing resources on MST, we started with information for Veterans and health care providers but the intention was always to address the Family perspective and fill a knowledge gap that’s been identified by Veterans, Veteran Family members and those who provide care to them.”
The new resources were co-created by the Atlas Institute in collaboration with a group of Veterans impacted by MST, Family members, service providers and other subject matter experts.
M.E. Samplonius, CD, an MST survivor and member of the advisory committees involved in co-creating both the new and the earlier resources, says she hopes the lived experience she shared as part of the resource development about what her own Family learned amid her MST injury will help others who are impacted.
“When my last military sexual assault occurred, my children were in their teens, so there was no hiding my trauma symptoms. It was difficult to think of how to approach talking about such a deeply profound and intimate injury. Having a resource available like this would have been so helpful and validating for us all as we tried to navigate Family life with MST,” she says. “Being involved in creating a resource that might help others understand the complex emotional toll MST can cause has been incredibly comforting. I hope these resources can help other Families survive the ordeal of MST and strengthen their healing journeys.”
Four new resources on MST for Family members are now available: a primer providing an overview on MST, two conversation guides to help Family members talk about MST with their impacted loved one or disclose it to others, including children, and a resource offering ideas on self-care and boundary-setting.
The resources are now available for download at atlasveterans.ca/mst-family.
For more information, please contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca
OTTAWA – The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and Wounded Warriors Canada today announced the expansion of Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, an online course developed to increase health care providers’ understanding of the unique cultural differences experienced by trauma-exposed professionals due to the high demand for the training.
In May 2022, supported and funded by the Atlas Institute, Wounded Warriors Canada released Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, a course developed by Wounded Warriors Canada’s National Clinical Director, Dr. Tim Black to provide culturally specific clinical approaches for supporting this unique population which includes military, Veteran, first responder and police populations. When the first training was released there was immediate national demand, and to date more than 1,600 providers have completed the course.
In response to the demand the Atlas Institute provided additional funding to produce Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals in French which will make the course available in both official languages. Both will continue to be provided at no cost to eligible health care providers for the next two years while the two organizations continue to work together to produce additional modules. The French version of TeXP will be made available at a later date.
Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, “Working with the Atlas Institute is a great example of how partnerships serve as force multipliers for service delivery. We’re thrilled by the response we have received since we launched Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, which has served to reinforce how much the health care community cares about the mental health supports provided to our injured Veterans, first responders and their Families. We look forward to expanding access to this important training across the country.”
MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, commented, “We have been so encouraged by the interest from health care providers to access Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals. The feedback on the course has demonstrated its relevance and effectiveness. We want to continue building on this momentum for Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, first responders and their Families. We’re so pleased to build on our productive partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada to develop a version of this excellent course completely in French and to enable access to any interested and eligible clinicians and health care providers over the next two years for both the English and French versions.”
About the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families:
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families brings Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP Veterans, Families, service providers and research partners together to create, gather and share knowledge on Veteran and Family mental health. The Atlas Institute helps to integrate this information into practice to improve mental health care and supports.
About Wounded Warriors Canada:
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health training and counselling provider delivering a range of clinically facilitated programs that have been specifically developed to support the unique needs of Veterans, first responders and their Families. Their programs support individuals, couples, spouses, surviving Families and children of those who serve or have served Canada at home or abroad.
Ottawa, ON – April 23, 2024 – After leaving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans have reported experiencing challenges in several areas in their lives, from employment to loss of identity. There has been an increase in Canadian research about the transition from military to post-service life in order to understand the factors that promote an optimal transition, but women’s specific experiences remain understudied. For this reason, the Canadian Legacy Project has partnered with the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families to conduct a study on the experiences of women Veterans during their transition from the military.
Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute, referred to this as a much-needed initiative, adding, “We know that women Veterans’ experiences can be different from that of men Veterans and that research is needed to inform tailored programming and supports for women who have transitioned — and are in the process of transitioning — to post-military life,” he said. “We expect the partnership with the Canadian Legacy Project will help identify some of the critical factors that impact transition and generate evidence to enhance the design of programs and supports.”
This study, which is being commissioned by the Canadian Legacy Project, will fall under the Atlas Institute’s broader program of research on women Veterans’ health and well-being. Dr. Sara Rodrigues, Director of Applied Research of the Atlas Institute added: “There is much that remains to be done for women Veterans to receive the support and care they need and deserve. Our goal is to work with women Veterans, amplifying their voices to inform research and initiatives and ensure they reflect their needs and priorities.”
“The increase of women enrollment in the Canadian military is reshaping the Veteran population. Women Veterans’ unique experiences can impact healthcare programs and this research will go a long way to ensure that their feedback helps shape the supports require to help them successfully transition back to civilian life.” David Howard, Founder and President of the Canadian Legacy Project noted. “Unfortunately our women Veterans are more likely to experience some types of traumatic events, such as sexual assault, during their service that is associated with a high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” Howard added.
Recruitment is set to begin in the near future and will be communicated through the Atlas Institute’s and the Canadian Legacy Project’s channels once it has started.
For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca
Or
David Howard
Founder and President
Canadian Legacy Project
(403) 620-4255
www.canadianlegacy.org
ABOUT THE CANADIAN LEGACY PROJECT
The Canadian Legacy Project is a national registered charity established in 2008 to support Canadian Veterans in their time of need and advocate on their behalf. The Canadian Legacy Project builds, directs and supports free programs for our Canadian Veterans to help them successfully transition back to civilian life. In parallel to this, the Canadian Legacy Project works with Canadas’ youth to educate them about the heroism and sacrifice made by our Canadian Veterans.
Quick Facts:
- The Canadian Legacy Project provides free access to important services for Veterans, including housing, education, training, support services, programing and supports specific to women Veterans.
- The Canadian Legacy Projects’ Business Boot Camp has become the fastest growing and most successful entrepreneurial training program for Canadian Veterans looking to start their own business.
- The Canadian Legacy Project continues to be a lead partner of the Homes For Heroes charity, building tiny home communities for unhoused Veterans.
ABOUT THE ATLAS INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families works with Veterans, Families, service providers and researchers to bridge the divide between research and practice so Veterans and their Families can get the best possible mental health care and supports. The Atlas Institute was originally established as the Centre of Excellence on PTSD and Related Mental Health Conditions, through the Minister of Veterans
Quick facts:
- The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was established to provide easier access to information, research, tools and expertise on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health conditions.
- Since its inception, Atlas has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles and created various knowledge products, including fact sheets, written resources, videos and infographics. Atlas has led or is currently leading dozens of research projects and has partnered on many others.
- Atlas actively engages Veterans and their Families as key partners, co-investigators and co-authors of its research, including a process for their participation in reviewing research outcomes from a lived expertise perspective.
- It also collaborates and partners with Veterans and Families to understand which issues matter most to them, using that knowledge to work with them and with service providers and researchers to co-create resources and knowledge products that fit the unique culture and needs of the Veteran and Family communities.
OTTAWA, ON — March 13, 2024 — With the risk of suicide for Veterans 1.4 to 1.9 times higher than in the general population, and women Veterans almost two times more likely to die by suicide than women in the general population, Veterans and Families have long identified suicide prevention as a priority and emphasized the need for additional supports for mental health and well-being.
In recognition of this, along with the fact that early interventions and faster access to support can prevent the worsening of mental health conditions and contribute to improved overall well-being, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has developed a suite of suicide prevention resources in collaboration with Veterans and Family members, and in partnership with the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute, said, “Statistics confirm that the Veteran population is at a higher risk for mental health concerns than Canadian general population with reported rates among Veterans of 26% for depression, 24% for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 21% for anxiety. These facts support upstream strategies focused on increasing protective factors,” he said, adding that tackling this issue must include equipping Veterans and Families equally with practical strategies and tools to understand and support their mental health.
The resources released on March 14 were co-created with an advisory committee made up of members of people with lived and living experience from the Veteran and Family community, including members of the Atlas Institute Lived Experience team. Laryssa Lamrock, National Strategic Advisor for Veteran Families at the Atlas Institute, who was involved in the resource development, explained that while Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans are at higher risk of mental health concerns as a result of their service, their loved ones can also be significantly impacted when the Veteran is struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. She noted that it is critical to acknowledge that Veteran Family members’ mental health is important to consider in its own right and that they may have their own challenges to be addressed.
“Our goal was to develop the new tools to support both Veterans and their Family members, so they can find answers based on the experiences of people like them for the questions they may have about mental health and suicide, be that immediate access to resources such as direct supports, tips and strategies for loved ones or for themselves outside of the needs of their loved ones. There is a continuum of experiences for both the Veteran and the Family member and these resources aim to acknowledge and support people’s needs at different points along that continuum.” Lamrock pointed to a recent Atlas-funded study that found there seem to be very few, if any, resources dedicated specifically to Family members in their own right, despite the fact they have their own mental health experiences and needs and may themselves be at risk for suicide.
Brian McKenna, a Veteran and National Strategic Advisor for Veterans at the Atlas Institute, agreed it is important for both Veterans and Family members to have suicide prevention resources that speak to their perspectives and unique needs. “These resources have been created for and by members of the Veteran community and include toolkits for both Veterans and Family members that incorporate their specific experiences. The Veteran toolkit looks at understanding suicide in Veterans, actions to take if someone sees warning signs in themselves or loved ones, and strategies to build resilience and help reduce risk among others. The toolkits include information and tips on self-care for Family members in their own right and for managing their own mental health and practical strategies to support their loved one.” McKenna added these are supported by a conversation guide that works through how to talk to someone who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, along with a help card that provides key pointers and information about direct supports for Veterans in crisis.
Mara Grunau, Executive Director of Centre for Suicide Prevention, said, “Veterans, Veteran Families and communities all have a role to play in building resilience and preventing Veteran suicide. If you’re worried about a Veteran, have an open, non-judgmental conversation. If they’re considering suicide, connect them to help.”
Hosseiny notes that for Veterans and Family members dealing with suicidal thoughts and behaviours in themselves and their loved ones, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to turn. “While there is work to be done, these resources are an important part of a much-needed multilayered approach to suicide prevention which can continue to grow. Our hope is to help Veterans and their Families know they are not alone and that this is a tool they can add to their toolkit to support both their own mental health and that of the person they’re caring for.”
Resources are now available to download and print at atlasveterans.ca/suicide-prevention.
For more information, please contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Artful Strategies
rosemary@artfulstrategies.ca
613-240-6739
Quick facts:
- The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was established to provide easier access to information, research, tools and expertise on PTSD and related mental health conditions.
- Since its inception, Atlas has contributed to the publication of 39 peer-reviewed articles and created more than 45 knowledge products, including fact sheets, written resources, videos and infographics. Atlas has led or is currently leading 14 research projects and has partnered on another 26 research projects.
- Atlas actively engages Veterans and their Families as key partners, co-investigators and co-authors of its research, including a process for their participation in reviewing research outcomes from a lived expertise perspective.
- It also collaborates and partners with Veterans and Families to understand which issues matter most to them, using that knowledge to work with them and with service providers and researchers to co-create resources and knowledge products that fit the unique culture and needs of the Veteran and Family communities.
OTTAWA, ON – September 22, 2023 – The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was honoured today by the visit of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, leading a delegation to explore international leadership in supporting former military personnel and their Families in restoring their mental health and well-being post-conflict.
As part of the visit, a signing ceremony took place to formalize a memorandum of international Veteran and Family Mental Health partnership between the Ukrainian State Institution “Veterans Mental Health and Rehabilitation Center ‘Lisova Polyana’ of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” and the research and knowledge mobilization institution, “the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families” in Canada (hereafter — MOU). The MOU formalizes cooperation between the two organizations in Canada and Ukraine to explore possible collaborations for research, knowledge exchange and capacity-building in the sphere of mental health to best support people in Ukraine who have been impacted post-conflict.
“Together, we are looking to explore opportunities to collaborate that will allow Lisova Polyana to support Veteran and Family mental health in Ukraine, informed by the work Atlas is doing,” said Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of Atlas. “We believe that sharing experiences and knowledge related to Veteran and Family mental health systems of care can support the restoration and development of services across Ukraine’s health care system, and that this will position them for that long road to recovery.”
MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Knowledge Mobilization at Atlas, echoed this, noting that supporting the awareness, adaptation and joint development of information and psychoeducational mental health and well-being resources for Veterans and their Families as well as for the professionals who support them is a key aspect of the collaboration. She added, “As an organization that has cultivated a robust network of partnerships nationally and internationally to reduce silos and foster knowledge exchange around best practices for Veteran and Family mental health, this MOU aligns well with the mandate of Atlas. One of our initial steps will be to establish regular dialogue and the means to effectively communicate applicable research findings and best practices between Ukrainian and Canadian mental health professionals and researchers. With our internal subject matter experts (SMEs) and access to a network of other SMEs across Canada, Atlas is well-positioned to inform and advise on efforts to support the use of best-practice standards and protocols for quality mental health care delivery in Ukraine.”
“Through their research and expertise, and supported with funding from the Government of Canada, the Atlas Institute strengthens the care and support of Veterans,” said The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “Collaboration between the Atlas Institute and Ukraine’s Ministry of Health will help ensure that Veterans and Families in Canada and Ukraine benefit from shared knowledge and research in mental health.”
Hosseiny said that the realities of the current situation are a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing on the mental health of the population, while also ensuring tailored responses for groups like military members, Veterans and their Families who may be uniquely impacted. “As Atlas has championed awareness of Veteran and Family mental health needs in Canada, we are honoured to collaborate with our Ukrainian counterparts to support this effort in their country and model the way for engaging lived experience in that effort,” he added.
With the MOU now signed and the draft framework established, work will begin immediately to rapidly bring the collaboration together.
For more information, please contact:
Joy Pavelich
Executive Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families
joy.pavelich@theroyal.ca
1-403-934-1694
Quick facts:
- The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was established to provide easier access to information, research, tools and expertise on posttraumatic stress disorder and related mental health conditions.
- Since its inception, Atlas has contributed to the publication of 39 peer-reviewed articles and created more than 45 knowledge products, including fact sheets, written resources, videos and infographics. Atlas has led or is currently leading 14 research projects and has partnered on another 26 research projects.
- Atlas actively engages Veterans and their Families as key partners, co-investigators and co-authors of its research, including a process for their participation in reviewing research outcomes from a lived expertise perspective.
- It also collaborates and partners with Veterans and Families to understand which issues matter most to them, using that knowledge to work with them and with service providers and researchers to co-create resources and knowledge products that fit the unique culture and needs of the Veteran and Family communities.
OTTAWA, ON — June 29, 2023 — While peer support is widely practised in military and Veteran populations to help with recovery from service-related injuries as well as with adapting to post-service life, it can be challenging to find the peer support programs and services that are available to Veterans and their Families across Canada.
In response to a growing need to access this specialized support, the Atlas Institute for Veterans has launched an online repository and interactive map of Canadian peer support services for Veterans and their Families. The data used to create this resource was collected by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) and shared with the Atlas Institute.
Until now, the extent of Veteran peer support activities has not been documented in Canada, nor have there been guidelines and standards in place to support these activities specific to this particular community, according to Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute. “Peer support has been shown to be effective in promoting well-being in a variety of settings,” Hosseiny said, adding that as part of their service, military personnel are trained to support each other and that mutual support ethic persists into life after service with peer support often occurring spontaneously among Veterans. “We know through our engagement with Veterans and their Families that peer support is an important component of their recovery journey. Our intention was to create a useful tool that ensures access to the Canadian peer support system.”
The interactive webpage, hosted by the Atlas Institute and guided by an advisory committee, provides both a map and list view that details where services are located and which services are offered anywhere in the country. The advisory committee is comprised of individuals across Canada who work or have worked in the field of peer support for Veterans and their Families at the national, provincial and local level. Their contributions were invaluable to the success of this project. Additionally, those searching for supports can filter by terms such as modality, language, cost, location and privacy/confidentiality, among others. Currently, there are 62 programs mapped from 40 unique organizations.
The Atlas Institute and CIPSRT are also collaborating on a network that will develop best practice guidelines to support the provision of peer support to Canadian Veterans, public safety personnel and their Families. This network consists of 41 members from coast to coast to coast. Currently there is not an official governing body or standardized guidelines that are specific to peer support for Canada’s Veteran community.
Hosseiny added that standardization in peer support delivery will help to ensure consistency in matters such as training, expectations on peer supporters and the ability to evaluate the quality of the service. “The advancement of best practice guidelines for providing peer support is central to this work, as well as ensuring a space for connecting peers and supporters, and promoting knowledge about the topic of peer support.”
To access the peer support map, visit atlasveterans.ca/peer-support-directory.
For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca
OTTAWA, ON — June 13, 2023 — To fill the gap around educational resources on PTSI for young people in military and Veteran Families, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has launched a new website, MindKit.ca, created for and by youth who have loved ones that have served in either the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the RCMP.
MindKit.ca is filled with youth-friendly tools, strategies and downloadable resources as well as real-life stories from children of Veterans. The website features a webcomic, videos, audio clips, interactive tools and hands-on coping strategies to support youth whose lives have been impacted by their Family member’s mental health injury. All resources were co-created with a youth advisory group and subject matter experts.
Laryssa Lamrock, National Strategic Advisor for Veteran Families at the Atlas Institute, said MindKit.ca offers youth a central hub to learn about mental health and what it’s like to live with PTSI in the Family. “Not only is it about recognizing and validating the experiences through shared understanding, but the information on this site will also provide youth with different ways to handle challenges.”
Lamrock added that it is important to understand that the mental health of youth can be impacted by their loved ones’ mental health. “In homes where there is an OSI or PTSI, we know that children might take on caregiving roles for their parent or additional household responsibilities such as caring for younger siblings. These added responsibilities can have a cumulative impact on a young person’s well-being.”
Speaking to the impact on youth specifically, Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute, explained that early intervention and targeted resources can change the trajectory of a youth’s experience. “Research shows that children of parents living with mental health challenges are at risk for a number of emotional, behavioural and social problems and this could affect all areas of their lives. These impacts may manifest in various ways, including being confused, frightened or even angry with their parent or the situation. The children might blame themselves of feel ashamed of their Family situation.” Hosseiny added that being part of a community that understands their experience will go a long way towards reducing isolation and helping them realize they are not alone. In addition, it is important to reassure young people that supports are available and that their loved one’s injury is not their fault.
To explore the new website and resources, visit MindKit.ca.
For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca
