Georgian the first college to receive special military veteran training

Feb. 23, 2024

As a military-connected college, Georgian is committed to providing military-connected learners with an exceptional education, as well as developing curriculum that’s inclusive of the military community. This initiative extends to several Community Safety and Human Services programs, where students are studying to become first responders, counsellors, and mental health and social service workers.

Recently, Georgian hosted the Toronto Police Service at the Orillia Campus who presented their newly developed Military Veteran Wellness Program. The program is delivered to Canadian law enforcement members and empowers them to give veterans the support services they need to improve their transition to civilian life.

Students from multiple Georgian programs took part including Protection, Security and Investigation, Police Foundations, Addictions: Treatment and Prevention, Social Service Worker, and Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology.

Professional and academic communities came together to discuss issues related to mental health and well-being, and how front-line responders can identify and better interact with military veterans, preparing students for their future careers. Through this training students learned about:

• de-escalation techniques for a veteran in crisis,
• social services available to veterans, and
• how to refer a veteran to help.

Stephen Waller, Program Coordinator for the Protection, Security and Investigation program, organized the visit, making Georgian the first and only college to receive this training. “This was an incredible opportunity for students to meet with and talk to currently serving first responders and mental health professionals,” he said.

This training helped prepare students who are looking for careers in the military, first responder or public safety domains to build resiliency, recognize signs and symptoms of someone in mental health distress and provide the necessary support.

Making this training available to students is part of Georgian’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically supporting goal number three (Good Health and Well-being), and number four (Quality Education).