Veterans Transition Network launches COVID-19 program

August 20, 2020 —  The Veterans Transition Network (VTN) has mobilized its network across Canada to help veterans and soldiers struggling with mental health during COVID-19.

Earlier this week, VTN officially launched its national Transition Skills Course — a five-day, confidential course designed to increase resiliency in this time of adversity. It addresses trauma, provides peer support, improves communications skills and encourages goal setting.

“Veterans need help and they need it now,” says Oliver Thorne, VTN Executive Director. “We know that COVID-19 is having negative impacts on mental health. We created this resiliency course to deal with service-related PTSD, depression or anxiety that becomes magnified with isolation and other pandemic challenges.”

VTN’s Transition Skills Course incorporates social distancing and other safety protocols. Psychologists and peer support professionals ensure safe, welcoming and effective counselling and follow-up.

The course is open to military and RCMP, men and women, all ages, active or retired. Course, travel and accommodation fees are covered by charitable donations and government grants.

“Contact us and we can help,” says Thorne to all veterans struggling across Canada. “We understand operational stress injuries. We have specialized psychologists and veterans at our retreats. Transition is tough, we get it.”

To learn more about the Transition Skills Course, email: neveralone@vtncanada.org.

About the Veterans Transition Network

The Veterans Transition Network is the only Canadian charity delivering mental health services to veterans from coast to coast. Their mission is to make sure no Canadian veteran is left suffering in isolation. The VTN’s programs, designed specifically for veterans, are backed by 20 years of research and have a 95% successful transition rate.