Calgary, AB,
12
November
2014
|
11:08
America/Denver

Calgary Police Service is First Policing Agency in Canada to Adopt Mental Health Program

The Calgary Police Service today celebrated the adoption of the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) program designed to assist its members to increase their mental health awareness. This collaboration between the CPS, Alberta Health Services, the Department of National Defence and the Mental Health Commission of Canada will result in CPS members having a better understanding of mental health, how they can stay well and how they can help their fellow members to do the same.

“As we embark on the Road to Mental Readiness Program, I am proud of the work that we are doing to prioritize the mental health of our service. The Road to Mental Readiness Program is a proven tool in proactively managing the stresses and challenges that come our way. The Calgary Police Service cares about all aspects of wellness – both physical and mental. I trust that the Road to Mental Readiness Program will become a valuable asset in our ability to take care of ourselves and others” said Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Roger Chaffin.

Designed by Lt. Colonel Suzanne Bailey for the Department of National Defence, R2MR has been modified for the Calgary Police Service to provide mental health and resilience training to their members.  

“The Road to Mental Readiness program is a good example of how the Alberta government works closely with its partners to promote and support mental well-being in our communities. The Alberta government was pleased to provide the initial funding that helped to launch this program, and we’re even more pleased that the Calgary Police Service has decided to continue offering this program to its employees” said Dr. Michael Trew, Alberta’s Chief Addiction and Mental Health Officer.

 “On behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, I salute the members of the Calgary Police Service for their leadership in raising the awareness, as well as increasing the level of importance, of mental health issues across the force,” said MHCC Vice President Ed Mantler. “This is a significant step in assisting police officers manage the mental health aspects of their jobs.” 

For more information on R2MR please see the attached backgrounder or visit the following web sites:

Department of National Defence

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=mental-health-services-in-the-canadian-forces/hgq87xjq

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-health-services-r2mr/index.page

Mental Health Commission of Canada

ENG - mentalhealthcommission.ca/r2mr

FRE - commissionsantementale.ca/rvpm

Road to Mental Readiness Backgrounder

The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR), developed by the Canadian Department of National Defence, was modified to provide mental health and resilience training to members of the Calgary Police Service starting in December 2013. 

What is R2MR?

R2MR is a training program with three levels:

  • One for police officers and civilian employees
  • One for leadership
  • One for trainers

​R2MR Primary Course Goals:

  • To improve short-term performance and long-term mental health outcomes
  • To reduce stigma and other barriers to care and encourage early access to help

R2MR Leadership Course Goals:

  •  To provide the tools and resources required to manage and support employees who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental illness
  • To assist supervisors in maintaining their own mental health as well as promoting positive mental health in their employees

R2MR Mental Health Continuum

  • The centrepiece of the program is a simple four colour chart that helps individual assess their mental health and wellbeing

Evaluation

  • The Mental Health Commission of Canada has been conducting a formal evaluation of the program

Project Partners

The adaptation of R2MR within the Calgary Police Service is a collaboration between the Canadian Department of National Defence, Calgary Police Service, Mental Health Commission of Canada and Alberta Health Services.

Project History

R2MR has a solid foundation in the mental health education, stigma reduction and resilience. As military and police personnel face similar challenges and stressors, and both are embedded in a familiar and unique culture, it was a natural progression for Calgary Police Service to adapt and apply R2MR.