Make a difference – Become a HOPE peer helper volunteer

August 18, 2022 - Defence Stories

HOPE (Helping Our Peers by providing Empathy) is a program that provides continuous confidential peer support to bereaved military families coping with the loss of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member (Regular or Reserve Force) or a Veteran. The loss does not have to be service related.

How does HOPE work? How do we recover from losing a loved one?

The HOPE program was created in 2006 with the help of families who have lost a military loved one. The success of the program is based on human connection, as the program includes trained peer helper volunteers who offer confidential peer support to mourning families.

The HOPE peer helper volunteers are there to make a difference for those whose lives have been changed by the loss of a loved one. They understand the grieving process because they have experienced it as well.

A unique connection – the military family community

It is often mentioned how different military life is and how it involves the members’ families as well. This brings unique challenges that require a lot of resiliency from military families. HOPE peer helper volunteers are there to support families with compassion and empathy and to help them understand that they are not alone in their experience. They are able to provide unique support that is not available elsewhere, as it includes a common understanding of the military.

Grief takes time. It is a sad and difficult period which can affect our actions, emotions and thoughts, our physical and mental health and spirituality. The peer helper volunteers can make a difference by helping us better understand grief, and by providing coping strategies.

A small amount of your time can mean the world

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one in the CAF? HOPE is inviting you make a difference by helping others in return. A small amount of your time can mean the world. Being a HOPE peer helper volunteer offers an opportunity to connect and give back to the military family community. For more details on how you can join the program, please call 1-800-883-6094 or send an email to HOPE-ESPOIR@forces.gc.ca.