A non-profit organization completely run and staffed by volunteers that provides confidential, caring and compassionate Peer Support to First Responders across the Province of Ontario

Peer Support for First Responders

• services offered to retired and serving Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS, Corrections Officers, Emergency Dispatatch Operators, Nurses, Active Military and Veterans across the Province
• team members have received peer support training and suicide prevention training
• able to provide in person peer support as needed
• online search tool to locate therapy and counselling resources

IMPACT Debriefs

• provided when requested after a critical incident
• offered to all First Responder organizations across Ontario
• help to identify and mitigate acute symptons, assess the need for follow up and provide closure for participants

Therapy Dog Program

• therapy dogs available to visit First Responder facilities in southern Ontario
• call Peer Support Line or email therapydogs@bootsontheground.ca for more information

Chaplaincy Program

• Chaplains serve as confidential listeners, offering support regardless of the individual’s faith background
• also help with critical incident stress debriefings and provide guidance during times of personal or professional crisis
• will attend community outreach events and support our members as needed

Advocacy Program

• Peer volunteers offer guidance and support to first responders facing challenges such as:
  • accessing mental health resources
  • WSIB Claims
  • Navigating Benefits and Services
  • Peer Support & Empowerment

Clinician Funding Program

• offers financial assistance for therapeutic sessions when:
  • insurance benefits have been exhausted
  • health benefits are not available
  • financial resources are insufficient to access professional care

Become a Peer Support Volunteer

• to apply you must have a vulnerable sector police check completed in the City that you live in
• need to provide a cover letter indicating why you want to join the team, a resume and a completed Boots On The Ground application form
• upon successful completion of recruitment process you will be provided with Peer Support training (CISM), Assist suicide prevention training and in-house training

Mon-Sun 24 hours

Current or former First Responders including but not limited to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, corrections/probation and parole/youth services, active military, veterans, and emergency dispatch operators

• call toll free number for peer support or to request other services available
• email to apply to become a volunteer or visit website to begin application process