MFRC Social and Mental Wellness

Social and Mental Wellness

Courage to Care

It is easy to treat loved ones and friends with patience and warmth when they struggle but it can be hard to do the same to yourself. Through guided discussion and experiential activities, participants will be invited to incorporate self-compassion practices into their personal resilience plan. This four-session program is open to veteran families and families in the process of releasing from service. Call 250-363-2640 to register. Location: Online MFRC Wed Oct 14 - Nov 4 6:30-8pm

Growing Parents

A supportive and educational group for new and expecting parents. Guest speakers and topics related to pregnancy and parenting babies up to 3 months of age. Make connections with other parents, share information and learn about community resources in this fun, interactive facilitated group discussion. Registration required due to COVID19 restrictions so please call the MFRC at 250-363-2640 to confirm your attendance or for more information. Location: MFRC Out of School Care (720 Galiano Crecent) MFRC Thur Sept 17-Dec 10, 9-10:30am

Military Parent Connections

Parenting is meaningful and brings love and growth into the life of a caregiver, and yet it can also feel overwhelming and confusing at times! Join MFRC Childcare and Family Wellness staff in a monthly parenting group where the joys and complexities of raising a military connected child will be discussed. Parenting information and tips will be shared as well as facilitated discussions about what it means to be a parent now. Call 250-363-2640 to register. Location: MFRC Out of School Care or Online MFRC Fri Sept 18, Oct 23, Nov 20 & Dec 11, 10-11:30am Topics: September: Back to school: preparing for a “new normal” with in class and possible online school work. October: Parenting during times of stress/transitions and deployments. What helps? November: “Kids Have Stress Too” a focus on stress and children. December: Parenting and children with added/special needs.

Wellness Walks on Wednesdays

This is a monthly mindful moment, for you. Join us for a relaxing evening walk. Children and pets are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and dress for the weather. All participants are asked to register at least 5 days in advance by calling the MFRC at 250-363-2640. Location: Belmont Park (meet in parking lot of St Peter’s Naval Chapel) MFRC Wed Oct 21, 6:15-7:15pm Location: Songhees Walkway (meet in parking lot at corner of Head and Paradise St) MFRC Wed Sept 23, 6:15-7:15pm

Social and Mental Wellness Resources and Services Emergency Family Plan

You need to plan ahead for the unexpected. If something happened to an at-home family member during a deployment, you need to have a workable emergency family plan. The MFRC can help you develop your plan, look at ways to build your support system and may be able to provide some assistance upon assessment.

Extra Support Needs

The Esquimalt MFRC offers one-to-one support for Canadian Armed Forces families that have a family member with extra needs. We can work with you to: • Navigate the complex needs, education, mental health, and health care systems • Advocate for services • Develop a support plan for persons with complex needs • Create a family care and support plan for upcoming deployments • Find services for caregivers supporting aging family members or a family member with health concerns • Prepare for a posting in or out of Greater Victoria Need assistance? Give the MFRC a call at 250-363-2640.

Short-term Counselling

Individuals, couples and families can access short-term counselling sessions at the MFRC in a confidential atmosphere of support. Registered social workers and counsellors provide support with stress, relationship issues, parenting challenges, the military lifestyle plus much more. The MFRC also provides quality referrals to outside counselling resources and specialized support services. Sessions can be done onsite or virtually via your computer, smartphone or tablet. Call 250- 363-2640 for details.

Strongest Families

Social workers/counsellors can make a referral to “Strongest Families” on behalf of families who want to acquire parenting assistance. Supports are available for children/ youth ages 3-17 who require strategies to address anxiety and behavioural issues. Additional supports can also be provided to address concerns associated with aspects of the military lifestyle. Parents can access more support through coaching by telephone. Call the MFRC and ask for the intake phone line for more information.