May 6-12, 2024, is Mental Health Week, an annual event organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), to promote mental health for all Canadians. This year’s theme, “Compassion”, explores human connection and the creation of healing pathways.

Mental Health Week is a yearly reminder to take stock of our own psychological health and wellness, and that of the people around us. You make a positive difference in people’s lives by offering them kindness and compassion. Remember to offer that same kindness and compassion to yourself. Acknowledge the good work you do and the impact you have on our community. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to someone you care for. With these self-compassionate acts, you take steps to enhance your resilience and improve your own psychological well-being.

Throughout Mental Health Week, our Psychological Health and Wellness clinical staff and members of our Peer Resource Team (PRT) are excited to connect with you. They will be visiting your work locations, including stations, emergency departments, desks, and offices, distributing Mental Health Week information and resource cards and some small tokens. Be sure to say hello and learn more about the Psychological Health and Wellness resources available to all TPS staff.

Please visit the Staff Blog to find out how to contact our Psychological Health and Wellness clinical staff and current PRT members. Explore the collection of psychological health and wellness information and resources, including the updated list of crisis and community mental health resources and the services provided by Telus Health EAP. Scan the QR code and save it on your personal smartphone or follow the shortcut on TPS-issued phones to the Staff Blog homepage and click on the Psychological Health & Wellness Resources tab for easy access to these resources at any time, from any location.

Please treat yourself with the compassion you deserve, not only during Mental Health Week, but every week. Thank you for all that you continue to do.

Sincerely,

(Original signed by)
Bikram Chawla

Started 14 years ago as Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 24 is an opportunity to raise awareness about the stigma around mental health, and to encourage change and support for those living with mental health issues.

To mark the day, the City of Toronto will introduce TPS Talks, a new initiative to help break the silence around mental health and illness and foster mental wellness in the workplace. Please log on to the intranet to access resources and information, and take a moment to watch our new video message.

Today, and every day, I encourage you to pause and consider your own wellbeing. Each of you works incredibly hard caring for our community, but it is equally as important to care for own mental and physical health. Please remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and know there are resources available to you and your family members if you are struggling, including:

• City of Toronto Telus Health EAP – available to all staff 24/7/365 via:
  • Phone: 437-880-7228 or 1-833-382-5610 (toll free), or
  • Online: one.telushealth.com (Username: Toronto // Password: EAP)
• Staff Psychologist, Leslie Langdon (Leslie.Langdon@toronto.ca or 416-392-5095)
• Psychological Health and Wellness Superintendent, Charlene O’Connor (Charlene.O’Connor@toronto.ca or 416-397-4569)
• TPS Peer Resource Team – available to all staff 24/7/365 (member list attached)

Additional resources can also be accessed confidentially from the Psychological Wellness Guide launched by the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs in 2023, or through Toronto Paramedic Services’ comprehensive Resource Guide aimed at enhancing the four pillars of psychological wellness and resiliency, developed by Staff Psychologist Leslie Langdon.

Don’t hesitate to reach out, share, and ask for help. Let’s talk.

Please continue to take care of yourselves, and each other.

Sincerely,

(Original signed by)
Bikram Chawla

Early Bird Registration Rate Ends January 12^th, 2024!
Register today!

traumaconference.ca

The Interdisciplinary Trauma Conference presented by University of Toronto is excited to announce the return to in-person activities! The 2024 conference will return to the BMO IFL with a theme of “Trauma: Readiness at all Levels”. We will explore what readiness means for our trauma system, from pre-hospital to system capacity to emergency preparedness. We look forward to seeing you, celebrating our trauma community, and learning together.

TO ALL MEMBERS – CAMH/CIPSRT Study re: Public Safety Personnel crisis line support

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Today, October 19, 2023, is Global Peer Support Celebration Day. Toronto Paramedic Services’ Peer Resource Team (PRT) plays an integral role in supporting the psychological health and wellness of our staff.

We’re grateful for the contributions of the dedicated members of this team who selflessly volunteer their time to support their peers. Please join us in recognizing our Peer Resource Team and thanking them for their important role at TPS.

For more information about the TPS Peer Resource Team please visit this link on our the Staff Blog.

Early Bird Registration Rate Ends January 12^th, 2024!
Register today!

traumaconference.ca

The Interdisciplinary Trauma Conference presented by University of Toronto is excited to announce the return to in-person activities! The 2024 conference will return to the BMO IFL with a theme of “Trauma: Readiness at all Levels”. We will explore what readiness means for our trauma system, from pre-hospital to system capacity to emergency preparedness. We look forward to seeing you, celebrating our trauma community, and learning together.

TO ALL MEMBERS – CAMH/CIPSRT Study re: Public Safety Personnel crisis line support

[urlpreviewbox url=”https://www.oapc.ca/announcement/members-camh-research-study-re-public-safety-personnel-crisis-line-support/”/]

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, and like every day, we encourage you to take steps to enhance your resiliency and to check in on the wellbeing of others.

The past two years have been incredibly challenging. Many of you have faced pressures in your personal and professional lives. While we all hope that the strain of the pandemic will soon ease, we also know that it could go on and, therefore, we need to continue taking steps to support our psychological health.

To continue to support you, we have developed a Resource Guide which is aimed at helping you to enhance four pillars of psychological wellness and resiliency: Nutrition, Recovery, Movement, and Mindset.

Please remember that there are many additional resources that are available to support you and your family members, including:

• City of Toronto EAP available to all staff
• FSEAP currently available to all staff (username: to416 // password: myfseap)
• TPS Peer Resource Team (PRT) (1-855-778-8367)
• Torontomedics.ca/today (see posts under Psychological Health & Wellness Plan)
• Staff Psychologist Leslie Langdon (Leslie.Langdon@toronto.ca or 416-392-5095)

Now in its twelfth year, the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign is also an important fundraiser for mental health programs in Canada. Bell Canada will be donating to mental health programs based on the number of calls, texts, and use of #BellLetsTalk on social media accounts. For more information on how you can to take part and help raise funds, log onto: letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day.

Please watch the linked video from Chief Raftis, check out the new Resource Guide, participate in the Bell Let’s Talk campaign and, most importantly, keep talking, keep listening, and keep well!

Sincerely,
(Original signed by)
Jennifer Shield
Leslie Langdon

Toronto Paramedic Services continues to support the Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign, now in its twelfth year, an important reminder of taking care of your mental health, while opening doors for support through mental health programs in Canada.

The annual Bell Let’s Talk Day fundraising campaign will be donating to mental health programs based on the number of calls, texts, and use of #BellLetsTalk on social media accounts. For more information on how you can to take part and help raise funds, log onto: letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day

Click to access Resources to Support the Four Pillars of Resiliency January 2022

Finding time for self-care can be difficult in a busy world but there are so many convenient options available online now to help you, or those closest to you. Below you’ll find a list compiled by Leslie Langdon, TPS Staff Psychological Associate, of some useful online resources.

Access Free Online Mental Health Resources: Anywhere, Anytime!

Are you looking for new ways to support psychological health and wellness for both yourself and your family?  In addition to the resources that are available to Toronto Paramedic Services staff, there are a number of excellent, free online platforms that offer self-directed programs. These programs are designed to promote resilience, reduce stress and address anxiety and depression. They can be accessed on a computer or mobile device from any location, and at any time of day.