OAFC Chief Fire Officer Peer Support Program (Public)
The OAFC in partnership with researchers, including from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), provides access to the PeerOnCall application, train and onboard fire chiefs onto the application and conduct an evaluation to understand the effectiveness of peer support. With the support of the province, the OAFC has received the funding to coordinate the delivery of the Peer Support Program for Ontario’s Fire Chiefs.
This inaugural funding will support the training of chief fire officers and the roll out of PeerOnCall, a peer support application for fire chiefs across the province. This program enables users to access mental health resources, services, events, news, and peer support, providing fire chiefs the autonomy to manage their own mental health.
As leaders in the fire service, chief officers in Ontario experience significant mental health and occupational stressors and require additional mental health supports. Their work can be isolating, and they make frequent, critical decisions, impacting their mental health and well-being. Accessing peer support from trained fire service leaders who have the same roles and responsibilities will provide an intervention that encourages the sharing of mental health awareness principles, promotes the reduction of mental health stigma, and boosts self-esteem for all chief fire officers.
OAFC Chief Officer Peer Support Program Guideline
Chief Officer Peer Support Program Guideline
To provide a guideline regarding the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Chief Officer Peer Support Program. The goal of peer support is to provide all members with the opportunity to receive emotional and tangible support through times of personal or professional crisis and to help anticipate and address potential difficulties. These guidelines are intended to provide information and recommendations on forming and maintaining a peer support structure.
For any questions or comments regarding the Peer Support Program please contact Shaun Cameron, Program and Policy Advisor at shaun.cameron@oafc.on.ca or 905-426-9865 ext.1223.