The Conception Bay South Fire Department is launching a state-of-the-art mental health program, aimed specifically at firefighter mental health awareness. The education program, called Resilient Minds, will be introduced in the upcoming weeks. The Conception Bay South Fire Department, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, will be the first Fire Department in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide this training to its members.

Resilient Minds was created by the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Resilient Minds is an evidence informed, peer to peer, skill building program, designed by firefighters for firefighters across Canada.  It aims to develop strategies to mitigate, and better manage occupational stress, and enhance personal resilience, resulting in informed and healthier teams.

“Mental health and well-being are important parts of our overall health.  This program looks at the specific needs of the employees of the Conception Bay South Fire Department.  We are so pleased to have the opportunity to offer this training program to our Firefighters, who play such a central role in keeping our residents safe.” said Mayor Terry French.

“The Conception Bay South Fire Department takes the mental health of all members in our organization very seriously.” said Chief John Heffernan. “This state-of-the-art program will benefit our members, and department. Moving forward, it will ensure that we provide our staff with the tools necessary to not only recognize and understand job related stressors, but also strategies for managing stress, mitigating trauma, and boosting their own personal resilience.”

Captain Richard Hynes, a member of the Conception Bay South Fire Department, and a certified trainer of this program through the Canadian Mental Health Association, will facilitate the session virtually for members of the Fire Department. Additional information on the Resilient Minds Program can be found on the Canadian Mental Health Association website, https://resilientminds.cmha.ca/.