PSPNET Families - Tonic Moments
The PSPNET Families team sit down with Jamie Bussin, from the Tonic Talkshow. Explore the various Tonic Moments below to learn more about the amazing work that is being done for family members of Public Safety Personnel.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Regina and Director of PSPNET, talks about the Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course – an ICBT (internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy) course designed specifically for spouses or significant others of first responders and other public safety personnel to help manage an array of mental health or relationship concerns.
Dr. Heidi Cramm with the Families Matter Research Group talks about why PSP families are unique. PSP families serve alongside PSP. This could include constant adaptation to dynamic logistical challenges, transitions between work and home, and balancing work and home life. PSP serve all communities in Canada; PSP families serve alongside their PSP and we need to build awareness about their challenges.
Dr. Heidi Cramm with the Families Matter Research Group talks about the focus of PSPNET Families– awareness and prevention. PSPNET Families has been built through evidence-based research and consultation with families to understand the experiences and priorities of PSP families. PSP Families has focused on family and couple relationships to develop information and resources to help with lifestyle challenges.
Dr. Heidi Cramm with the Families Matter Research Group notes that PSPNET Families serves a distinct population and is a first for these types of resources. She also talks about her own experiences as a member of a PSP family. PSPNET Families brings the experiences of these families to the forefront – visitors to this online resource feel seen, heard, validated, and less isolated.
Dr. Nathalie Reid, Director of the Child Trauma Research Centre, talks about who public safety personnel (PSP) are and the importance of PSP families. PSP is a broad term that encompasses a range of occupations that ensure the safety of Canadians. PSP families serve alongside PSP and are exposed to a variety of unique experiences.
Dr. Nathalie Reid, Director of the Child Trauma Research Centre, talks about who the PSPNET Families Wellbeing Hub is intended for. PSP families have unique experiences, as such, PSPNET Families is for anyone who has a personal relationship with PSP. These people may have questions about the PSP lifestyle, they may be looking for new skills to manage this lifestyle, ways to engage with other PSP families, or strategies to support their own wellbeing and enhance their relationships with PSP.
Lisa Delaney, an occupational therapist, talks about the families network– a community designed for PSP families and organizations who serve and support them. The purpose of the network is to provide a pathway to information, resources, and research that focuses on PSP families and their needs. The network is about connection, communication, and engagement to support the mental health of PSP families.
Lisa Delaney, community development manager with the families network, talks about how families are included in public safety organizations. Some organizations take the families into consideration as a starting point. For others, the question – “What about the families?” – is a call to action. The Families Matter Research Group has identified those organizations or individuals who are innovating to include families as ‘family champions’. These champions are found primarily at the local level.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, Principal Investigator and Director of PSPNET discusses how first responders and Public Safety Personnel (PSP) face a range of barriers to accessing the mental health care they need. Heather dives into how PSPNET provides accessible and tailored care to these individuals across Canada.