Weekly virtual peer support groups for adult family members of public safety personnel.ย
๐ www.badgeoflifecanada.org/peer-support
Free equine-assisted therapy for first responders, their spouses and children living with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). Flights, accommodations and meals are covered to attend the program in Alberta.ย
๐ www.canpraxis.com
Most departments have an EFAP so that paid-on-call firefighters and their families have free access to counselling, as well as support with diet, quitting smoking, child care, elder care, finances, employment, and legal matters. Access is private and confidential, meaning your department is not informed if you use the service. Contact information should be available on your stationโs Health & Safety Board or by contacting your municipal office.ย
(Developed by CIPSRT, and used in collaboration with Garnet Families.)ย
PSPNET offers online resources for couples and families of public safety personnel, including:
Skill-building exercises including Couple Time, Communicating With Children, and Coparenting In PSP Families
Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course
Respite retreats in Elgin County for first responders and their family members which are supported by a team of clinical, wellness, and equine professionals. Funding may be available for eligible participants.ย
Online peer support group for family members of public safety personnel to share concerns, stress, and mental health challenges related to their loved oneโs work.ย
๐ www.wingsofchange.ca
This national organization offers a range of mental health programs for families of first responders and military members, at no cost to the firefighter, their family, or their department:
Spousal Resiliency Program
Warrior Kids Virtual Program and Warrior Kids Camp
Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE)
Surviving Family Program (for those bereaved by a line-of-duty death or suicide)
In the event that a firefighter dies in the line of duty or by suicide, specialized financial and mental health supports are available for immediate family members.ย
The Government of Canada provides a maximum payment of $300 000 to the families of first responders who have lost their lives as a result of a work-related illness or injury, including suicide.
๐ www.memorialgrant.ca
The Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program provides free bereavement counselling to immediate family members of a first responder who died in the line of duty or by suicide.
VFIS provides benefits to immediate family members of firefighters who died in the line of duty.
๐ www.vfis.com
Last updated August 2026
