Discover Creative Coping: A Peer Support Program Event

June 2, 2025 - Defence Stories

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), invites you to join a Peer Support Program event this summer. This free event is available for individuals affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma. To participate, all you need is a pen, pencil and paper (colour pencils are optional). No prior art skills are required.

Discover Creative Coping is a two-part virtual event that connects peers together to explore coping strategies after sexual trauma and learn a new coping skill: the Zentangle^® Method. Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, it’s an easy-to-learn, relaxing art method that reduces stress and brings calmness.

Hosted on MS Teams by a member of the Peer Support Program team and Rita Martinez-Perez, a certified Zentangle instructor, this event blends group discussion, art, personal reflection, and peer support. It is open to current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans, Department of National Defence (DND) public service employees, Cadets, and Junior Canadian Rangers, 18 years and older.

While attendance in both parts is not required, you must be available to attend part one to register for the event. Each English and French event has a limit of 10 participants.

English

Part one: July 10 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. EST

Part two: July 24 from 5 to 6:00 p.m. EST

French

Part one: July 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. EST

Part two: July 31 from 5 to 6:00 p.m. EST

For more information and to join this event, visit Program services, reach out to SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca or call 1-844-750-1648 before June 27.