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Mental Health and Social Support Pilot Projects Update

E=MC3: Ensemble pour Mieux Comprendre

Following the development of the pilot project at the Valcartier Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) over the summer months, the Ensemble pour Mieux Comprendre (E=MC3) program began in September 2009. In just a few months, E=MC3 has already made a significant impact upon participants.

Notably, the pilot has had great success in helping Canadian Forces (CF) families develop strengths and positive tools to cope with operational stress injuries (OSIs). In particular, the E=MC3 program has offered much-needed practical skills to children, youth, and parents experiencing the confusion, fear and anxiety that often accompany the development of  OSIs in CF families. Initial results from the pilot speak well of the program’s promising role in the enhancement of mental health services for the Military Family Services Program.

Friends and Neighbours Club

The Friends and Neighbours Club, a puppet show-based prevention program, has been used by the Petawawa MFRC for several years. Building upon this local success, the pilot project was launched with a new puppet show script developed specifically for CF children experiencing postings, deployment and reunion. 

Since the pilot project began, 380 children have benefited from the entertaining and educational puppet shows. Many of these young people have noticeably improved in their ability to communicate their worries and fears. Children have also used the skills from the program to reduce their deployment-related anxiety and increase their self-confidence.
As part of the pilot, a training guide for delivering the Friends and Neighbours Club has been developed and eight MFRCs (Edmonton, Esquimalt, Gagetown, Petawawa, Shilo, Trenton, Valcartier, and Wainwright) are testing it. They have each received puppets and had the opportunity, via videoconferencing, to attend “Master Train-the-Trainer Sessions” in which they practiced working with the puppets. The training sessions have received very positive feedback from the MFRC staff.

Friends for Life

The Kingston MFRC has had much success launching the children’s anxiety prevention program Friends for Life as its pilot project this fall. The internationally recognized program was piloted by MFRC staff in three public schools, as well at the MFRC Teen Centre.

Ninety-four children participated in the pilot project, the majority of whom come from Canadian Forces (CF) families. Children from civilian families were also included to raise greater awareness and understanding among peers about the unique stresses the military lifestyle places on children.

MFRC program facilitators and teachers in the participating schools have each noted that, since attending the program, the majority of children have shown improvements in their ability to be sensitive to the needs of others, break down challenges into smaller steps, calm themselves down, and cope with feelings of fear and depression. With such promising results, Friends for Life is shaping up to be a successful prevention-based mental health program for Canadian/MFRCs working with children and youth.

The results of these pilot projects will be included in DMFS’ comprehensive analysis of the proposed enhancements for the Military Family Services Program. Those projects that are selected to proceed will then be proposed for endorsement by Chief Military Personnel. 

Click here to read descriptions of each project.