Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Delivers Heartfelt Message at HOPE Volunteer Training Conference
June 21, 2024 - Defence Stories
Author: Ashley Boisvert (CAF TG Communications Officer/PAO)
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Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Frances Allen with Sophie Richard, HOPE Program Manager, Director Casualty Support Management / Chief of Military Personnel.
On June 3, the HOPE Volunteer Training Conference was graced with a heartfelt message from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS), Lieutenant-General Frances Allen. Hosted by HOPE, the conference highlighted the crucial role that peer support plays in assisting bereaved individuals through their journey of grief and healing.
Lieutenant-General Allen’s address resonated deeply with volunteers, emphasizing the profound impact that HOPE and peer support can have on those who have lost a loved one. She shared her own experiences of grief and underscored how vital it is for bereaved individuals to feel understood, supported, and less isolated. Her message highlighted the importance of empathy and connection in navigating the complex challenges of grief, demonstrating how a supportive community can make a significant difference in the healing process.
Following another successful HOPE volunteer training conference, we would like to take the opportunity to highlight the resilience of our peer helpers. We celebrate their spirit and their dedication to helping others in this program!
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Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Frances Allen speaking to HOPE Volunteers.
The latest evaluation highlights high satisfaction with the support HOPE provides to bereaved individuals. CAF bereaved individuals reported that the program eased feelings of helplessness, helped them adapt to new realities and offered valuable coping strategies. Many ranked HOPE as a top support source, praising its contribution to their understanding of grief and loss.
The HOPE program is dedicated to supporting members and military families who have experienced the loss of a loved one in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This support extends to both active and retired personnel, whether they served in the Regular or Reserve Forces. By matching trained peer volunteers with bereaved individuals, HOPE ensures that those in mourning receive empathetic support and the comfort of shared experiences.
HOPE volunteers are trained to offer a sympathetic ear, an understanding of the grief journey, and shared experiences that can provide new perspectives and offer coping strategies during individual times of loss. The contributions of these volunteers are invaluable, as they provide unwavering support and dedication to bereaved members and military families. Their incredible work significantly impacts the lives of those they help, offering a beacon of hope that foster resiliency during times of sorrow.
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Group picture of HOPE volunteers and the VCDS.
Free, confidential, and accessible for as long as needed, the HOPE program ensures that no one has to navigate their grief journey alone. By offering a supportive and understanding environment, HOPE plays an essential role in helping bereaved individuals in our community to find comfort and connection during their most challenging times.
If you want to become a ray of hope as a peer volunteer, contact HOPE through the following channels:
- Website: www.hope-espoir.com
- Phone: 1-800-883-6094
- Email: HOPE-ESPOIR@forces.gc.ca