Originally posted: October 3, 2023 Courage = + Vulnerability (uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure) + Clarity of Values (living YOUR values) + Trust (choosing to make something that is important to you, vulnerable to the actions of someone else) + Rising Skills (facing fear and getting back up if you fail) If you think you are being brave and you are comfortable – […]
Employee Wellness Blog
Welcome to the VPD Members Wellness Blog: a place to read about and find resources for first responders. This blog has been published internally for the last four years and we are now sharing it with our retired members, as much of the information is also relevant to you.
There is no doubt your life of service and the stress from some of the traumatic events you were involved in have impacted your mental health and wellness. Some of it may have impacted your family, as well.
We hope this bog will help you gain personal insight into your own mental and physical wellness and access resources to help you navigate the ups and downs of life.
Help eliminate the stigma around mental health by talking about the impact of first responder stress with someone you trust.
If you have any questions or suggested topics, please email Constable Michele McKnight at michele.mcknight@vpd.ca.
Did You Know? Departing with Distinction
Originally posted: October 30, 2023 There are a lot of great things about working at the VPD: it’s our home away from home and we’ve developed friendships and shared experiences that will last us a lifetime. We chose a life of service that involves dealing with other people’s suffering, attending traumatic events, working long hours […]
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Originally posted: September 14, 2023 It’s not an easy topic to discuss, but it is essential we all talk about death by suicide. Suicide is complex and often has many contributing factors — including trauma from first-responder work. The Ontario Coroner’s Report Staying Visible, Staying Connected, For Life recognized three commonalities in the nine police officer suicides […]
You Learn Something New Every Day
Originally posted: September 7, 2023 Today, with the help of a brand-new recruit, on day one of his policing career, I pieced something together that I just hadn’t fully thought through before. They advised that registered clinical counselors (RCCs) cannot formally diagnose mental health conditions. I believe that is one of the reasons why psychologists […]
Did You Know? VPD Chaplaincy Services
Originally posted: September 5, 2023 Did you know the VPD contracts Chaplain Jim Turner to provide chaplaincy services for all VPD employees? With over 30 years of police chaplaincy, Jim understands the unique stresses of the policing culture, whether sworn or civilian. The blend of theological understanding from a multi-faith perspective, coupled with the unique […]