Program services

On this page

• Eligibility
• Activities
• Support Groups
• Feedback
• Contact us

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

The peer support activities offer participants a safer and confidential space to support their healing journey. Activities include, but are not limited to, mini-series, workshops, events, guest speakers. They are offered in both official languages to various groups depending on the availability of resources. 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. Here are the activities offered this winter: To sign up, send an email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.

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

Registration is open and on an ongoing basis. This means you can register once and attend as many sessions as you like.

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 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.

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

To sign up, send an email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca

Support Groups

Our support groups provide a safer and confidential space to connect, share experiences, and learn coping and wellness strategies while exploring your trauma and healing journey. All sessions are free, held online through MS Teams and available in English or French.

You should register before the first session. You can register for multiple program offerings at the same time or choose to sign up for just one at a time.

Once the fall formal Peer Support Groups are over, new formal groups in both English and French will be offered starting in May 2026. We will share the schedule soon.

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.

Back to top