Garnet Families

We’re honoured to contribute to Canadian Firefighter Magazine’s recent article about why family well-being must be part of the conversation around public safety personnel’s mental health. These careers affect not only those serving but also their children, parents, and loved ones who face many challenges.

A special thanks to PSPNET Canada and PSPNET Families for their important work providing mental health resources.

Check out the full article:

How supporting firefighter families strengthens mental health and operational readiness How can evidence-based resources support the “silent frontline” by providing public safety families with the tools they need to navigate operational stress and build lasting resilience?

This has been a heavy time for many public safety families.

For those feeling the weight of recent losses, grief, worry, or the cumulative stress of loving someone in public safety, there are supports available. These resources may be helpful for spouses, partners, family members, and loved ones who are carrying that extra emotional load.

PSPNET Canada - Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course
A free online course that may be helpful for spouses or significant others in public safety families who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional strain.

Badge of Life Canada - Family Peer Support
Offers online peer support for family members every other Wednesday evening. The next session is June 24.

Canada Beyond The Blue - Virtual Call & Connect
Offers monthly virtual connection opportunities for police families. The next national family connect call is July 7.

Wounded Warriors Canada - Spousal Resiliency Program
A program designed to support spouses and partners of public safety personnel. The program has recently received funding to expand to an online option, with rolling enrolment.

Wings of Change - Peer Support - Family Meetings
Offers a virtual family meet-up at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is July 14.

Please check in on the people around you, especially those connected to this community. Small moments of care can mean a lot.

In case you missed it 👇
As part of the Garnet Families Interactive Series, we were honoured to host Drs. Heidi Cramm, Christine Genest, and Margaret Campbell for “Bringing Families into the Frame: Where do Garnet Families fit in su***de prevention?”
This conversation encouraged a broader perspective on su***de prevention by recognizing families not only as risk or protective factors, but as people who also need support, care, and attention.
🎥 Watch the full session at the link below.
https://youtu.be/pcKZjZTyRug

April is the Month of the Military Child 💜
At Garnet Families, we recognize the strength of children in military families and the unique experiences they navigate. Their experiences matter, their voices matter, and their stories deserve to be seen.

This interactive virtual event invites you to explore su***de and su***de prevention through a broader lens, one that brings families into the conversation.
Families are often labeled as “risk” or “protective” factors, or seen as solely responsible for keeping loved ones safe. But they also need care, attention, and support.
Join Drs. Heidi Cramm, Christine Genest, and Margaret Campbell as they share insights from the Inside Su***de Podcast, exploring where and how families fit into su***de prevention within defence and public safety communities.
💬 Open to all
📝 Registration required
🌐 English event with French subtitles available
Your voice matters. This event will help shape future supports for Garnet families across Canada. A short survey will follow to guide what comes next for Garnet Family events.

Learn more and register here:
https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/knowledge-for-you/online-events

Before the research, the resources, and the work we do every day, there were baby photos like these 📸!

Meet the Garnet Families team through some of our early throwbacks. Behind Garnet Families is a group of researchers, students, and staff committed to supporting the families of military members, veterans, and public safety personnel.

Through research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, our work focuses on strengthening the support systems available to families connected to service.

Families play a critical role in the well-being of those who serve, and our goal is to help ensure they have access to the resources, recognition, and support they deserve.

Swipe through to see the team in their baby photo era and learn more about the work we do at garnetfamilies.com 💙

Happy Furry (Feathery) Friend Friday 🐓🌾

Most weeks our Furry Friend Friday stars have four legs and plenty of fur… but this week we are going feathery!!

Meet the flock belonging to research assistants Bryn and Kaie Bain. The two hens sharing a moment are Stretch and Calm, and the rooster is Jellybean. Contrary to popular belief, Jellybean believes crowing is appropriate at any hour of the day, including late at night.

Their flock of 8 hens and 1 rooster spends their days roaming outdoors, sunbathing, roosting in trees, and enthusiastically hunting worms after a heavy rain.

They are quirky, entertaining, and reward their humans with farm fresh eggs in shades of brown, cream, and even green!! 🥚🐓

Caregiving looks different for every family. 💙 This snapshot from the Garnet Families Interactive Series highlights the unique realities faced by military, veteran, and public safety families, from mobility challenges to shifting roles and support gaps.
Let’s keep the conversation going and work toward more inclusive, family-centred support.