Making a statement
Wounded Warriors, Charlottetown police partnership shows ‘suck it up’ attitude no longer acceptable
Charlottetown Police Service members, both active and retired, got some additional access to mental health services and programs after entering into a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada on Friday.
“The types of incidents that we deal with are much like those of servicemen – trauma-based incidents that can certainly lead to long-lasting impacts to our frontline staff,” said Deputy Chief Brad MacConnell.
“There was no need to delay this. This is something that is only a benefit to our members and our first responders.”
The partnership was signed between Wounded Warriors Canada, Charlottetown Police Service and Charlottetown Police Association for first responders and their families.
The partnership will provide additional mental health services beyond what is already offered internally, explained MacConnell.
Scott Maxwell, executive director of Wounded Warriors Canada, said signing a partnership with Charlottetown police is a statement against the “suck it up” attitude that can be pervasive throughout uniform service work.
“Today is such a statement against that. I don’t know if this day would have been possible five or 10 years ago, where we’re standing here at headquarters with the chief and deputy chief of the police service, basically saying to the members and their families that if you feel you can benefit from Wounded Warriors Canada’s programming, avail yourself of the services,” he said.
“That’s an indication that we’ve come a long way.”
Wounded Warriors Canada is a mental health charity that was launched in 2006 to provide support for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. It expanded in 2016 to include first responders in its programs and services.