Program services

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• be a current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, Veteran, Department of National Defence (DND) public service employee, Cadet, or Junior Canadian Ranger
• be 18 years and older
• have experienced sexual misconduct and/or military sexual trauma (MST) during your service or in your workplace
• have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection
• have access to Microsoft Teams, either through the desktop/mobile app or a supported web browser (note: Safari is not supported)
• for group services, be willing to take part in a virtual discussion with a Peer Support Regional Coordinator before the first group session

Activities

We offer activities related to peer experiences that may include, but are not limited to, mini-series, workshops, events, and guest speakers.

Healing Together: Trauma-Informed Yoga

These free online yoga classes are for people affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma. Each class provides a safer space to explore gentle movement and helps reconnect with your body.

You don’t need any yoga experience to join. Classes are trauma-informed, adaptable, and open to all experience levels. Chair yoga options and posture modifications are available for those with reduced mobility or injuries. You can choose how you engage, including whether to keep your camera on or off.

A mental health worker will be available if you need extra support.

• Duration: 75 minutes
• Language: English and French
• Hosted by: A certified yoga instructor and a peer supporter may be present

Remembrance Day Event

Remembrance Day is a meaningful commemorative time that can evoke various emotions such as pride, grief, loss, and sometimes isolation, especially for affected members. Remember that you are not alone.

Join us for this year’s Remembrance Day virtual event on November 6, 2025. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers and support each other in a safe and respectful environment. The event facilitator will reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day and the emotional impact it may have on those with military backgrounds and MST experiences. The event will end with grounding activities to help you feel centered and calm.

Register before October 31, 2025, by sending an email to SMSRCPSP.CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Location: online (MS Teams)
• Language: English at 12:00 p.m. EST and 6:30 p.m. EST and French at 6:30 p.m. EST
• Hosted by: a Peer Supporter

Coffee Chats

The coffee chats offer people, affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma, a flexible, inclusive and safer space to connect and support each other, as part of the Peer Support Program. These chats are casual and welcoming. They offer a chance to talk, reflect, and come together with other peers without pressure. They help participants feel seen, heard, and supported. Coffee Chats can also help people take the first step towards more support, including those who are waiting to join formal peer support group services.

Group duration: 60 to 75 minutes each

Hosted by: Mental health worker

Discussion topics:

Discussions are guided by participant needs related to their trauma experience at the time of the chat. While participants are asked not to disclose personal details of their experiences, they are encouraged to freely discuss how their experiences have affected them, the support they are seeking, their personal journey, and more.

Commitment: Drop-in, meaning once registered, participation is flexible. You can attend as many as you like

Schedule

English

French

Registrations are on an ongoing basis. To sign up, send an email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca

Groups

Offering a confidential and safer space where you can:

• connect
• discuss
• share
• discover coping mechanisms
• explore your healing journey in a supportive environment

All services:

• are free
• are hosted virtually via MS Teams
• are available in both English or French
• require preregistration before the first session

You can access multiple peer support services at once or join a service one after another to receive ongoing support.

Application and intake process

You must complete the intake process before you can participate in any Peer Support service.

To participate in or learn more about program services, please email SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca or contact the SMSRC 24/7 line to be referred to the Peer Support Program at 1-844-750-1648.

How to get started

1. Let us know you’re interested

Send us an email to let us know you’re interested in participating in our services. You can also call the 24/7 support line to request a referral to the Peer Support Program.

2. We will get back to you

A Peer Support Regional Coordinator (RC) will respond within 1 to 2 business days.

3. Intake Form

The RC will send you a link to complete an intake form. This form helps us understand which services you’re interested in, your preferences, and your contact information. If needed, the RC can assist you in completing the form.

4. Virtual discussion

The RC will contact you after receiving your completed intake form to schedule a virtual discussion. This conversation gives you a chance to learn more about the services, ask questions, and share any concerns. The RC will also explain expectations around participation, confidentiality, and security.

5. Give your consent

You will also receive a second link to complete the Participant Agreement Form. This form is required to formally confirm your consent to participate in the service(s). The RC is available to assist you with this form if needed.

6. Confirmation and welcome

Once your consent is received, the RC will confirm your enrollment. You’ll receive a welcome email with all the necessary details and a link to join the service.

You will regularly receive updates about the status of your intake process.

Feedback

Your feedback matters and helps us improve the support we offer.

After participation, you may be invited to fill out a short online survey. It’s anonymous, voluntary, and helps us understand what’s working and what could be better.

You might also be asked if you’d like to have a one-on-one chat with a staff member to share more about your experience.

As we collect and review feedback, our team will use your ideas to make the program even better.

From a peer: “Being a participant was a great benefit, allowed me to be vulnerable, speak and share. Felt empowering to be a part of the community. To connect and be validated.”

Contact us

For more information, contact us by email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.

You can also call the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648, and a counsellor will refer you to the program.

Fill out the form to provide your feedback or to file a complaint.