A new Frontline Family Wellness Day is set to be held next month in Owen Sound.
It's the first year for it locally, and Police Chief Craig Ambrose came up with the idea to bring it to the area. It was something they did in his previous job with Waterloo Regional Police.
“It's really about making sure that people understand that first responder mental health is really important. What we do, the things we see and how we respond to the calls can affect your mental health. We have to be aware of that. The first person who is going to see a change in behaviour, see a change in their loved ones are the family members, so it's important to include them,” says Ambrose.
A symposium is set to be held from 1:30 PM to 5 PM. It will feature speakers on topics that include Understanding the mental health continuum, Resources for care, Family peer support and more.
Keynote Speaker Kendra Fisher was a goaltender for Team Canada who was diagnosed with severe mental illness. She had to leave National Hockey to seek help. She'll be speaking about her story.
Ambrose says they will have special programming and activities for kids, so that parents don't have to arrange for a babysitter in order to attend the event.
He asks parents to note they will be bringing when they register for the event.
Later, there will be a screening of the documentary The Other Side of the Hero at Cineplex in Owen Sound at 7:30.
Tickets for the documentary screening should be reserved separately.
You don't have to go to one part of the event to go to the other.
Ambrose says Frontline Family Wellness Day is a partnership of emergency services in Grey County including West Grey Police, Grey County EMS, Owen Sound Fire Department and the Operational Stress Injury Social Support program through the Department of National Defence's Veteran's Affairs program.
Ambrose says any family member or support person can go.
The free event takes place at the Bayshore Community Centre on February 9th.
Register on eventbrite HERE