Mental Health Support Program – Canada
Firefighters have occupational exposure to a unique set of carcinogens that predispose them to many types of cancer. A cancer diagnosis can present a host of physical, emotional, financial, and practical challenges for patients and their families. Those affected by cancer often experience emotional distress, an increased need for mental health support services, and a diminished quality of life.
The Fire Fighter Cancer Project was developed by Pancreatic Cancer North America to address the unique experience of fire fighters diagnosed with cancer.
Peer Support is an effective means of offering compassionate, personalized care to patients and their family members who require support to manage the challenges of a diagnosis. It honours volunteers’ lived experience of cancer and the wisdom that is gained and provides a safe and private way to support the needs of others.
Our Peer Support program has been created with direct input from representatives of the fire fighting community. From training the staff and facilitators to helping inform on the lived experience, their unique perspectives in this profession are critical to ensuring the support programs deliver the care that truly addresses their needs.
Key features of the program include:
- A customized peer support program that features trained volunteers who provide compassionate, personalized care to fire fighters with cancer and their family members.
- Access to short-term counselling that connects patients and family members with a trained counsellor to help navigate the emotional and psychological toll of cancer.
- Resources and other professional services depending on the needs of the individual accessing the care.
- Aggregate reporting to allow for rich evaluation on program reach and uptake. This will allow us to grow and expand based on the true needs of the community.
The Fire Fighter Cancer Project is proud to work with Wellspring as our program delivery partner.
An initative of
USA
442 5th Avenue #2873
Manhattan, NY
10018
1-844-274-3640
Tax ID #84-5185853
CANADA
316-4211 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2P 2A9
1-888-726-2269
Charitable Registration Number 84870 1967 RR0001