| Recipient: | Aftermath Association |
|---|---|
| Project: | Camp Aftermath |
| Province: | Ontario |
| Period: | 01 April 2022 - 15 September 2023 |
| Funding: | $ 17,000 |
Overview:
Camp Aftermath seeks to support military members, Veterans, first responders and frontline workers living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or experiencing mental health problems as a consequence of their duties in public safety roles. The funding received through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund (VFWF) supported a one-year, three-phase program for female Veterans that included a seven-day stay at Camp Aftermath. Camp participants will learn long term management skills for Operational Stress Injuries and PTSD though volunteerism and the development of positive habits.
Project goals:
The project’s goal was to assist participants on their holistic journey toward long-term management of Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) and PTSD through volunteerism and the development of positive habits.
Project activities:
The program consisted of three phases each with its own distinct goals:
Phase 1 - Screening and Suitability: Participants undergo screening by Camp Aftermath mental health professionals to assess their suitability for the program ensuring participants are in a similar phase of their healing journey. Additionally, participants and staff engage in Video Teleconferences (VTCs) to alleviate any concerns about the upcoming in-person Phase 2.
Phase 2 - Volunteerism Retreat: Participants gather at the Camp for seven days of therapeutic activities such as peer support meetings, volunteering, and building healthy habits. Participants also set realistic intentions for Phase 3, a 10-month follow-up.
Phase 3 - Follow-up: Participants meet virtually once a week to share their experiences, discuss overcoming challenges, and set goals for self-optimization. This phase fosters accountability among peers and self-reflection.
Project results:
Five female Veterans participated in the program and have achieved the following results:
- By setting weekly goals and doing their best to meet them, they acquired evidence in their abilities to follow through on goals and tasks.
- With the help of Camp Aftermath mental health experts, the participants began to view the challenges and failures as part of their way to success.
- By taking part in the weekly check-ins, they gained the ability to zoom out of their own struggles and see their peers go through the experiences of daily life.
- Through journaling and mediation, they became less fearful of what the future may bring and more confident in their ability to deal with whatever comes.
As a result of this new mindset, participants have already accomplished significant goals such as joining the workforce, overcoming social anxiety, moving on from an unhealthy relationship, and finding purpose by volunteering to support other veterans and first responders.