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Facing Risk

Tools for navigating life when risk is a daily reality.

Constant,
Persistent Risk

The idea of a 9-to-5 job might be considered “typical” but, in truth, very few jobs truly are. Certainly not defence and public
safety jobs, where families are constantly accommodating non-standard hours, including extended separations, on-call duties,
and shift work. That has a huge impact on family life.

Few of us are equipped to handle these ongoing stressors without support. Your family doesn’t have to face these risks alone. While each family’s experience of risk is different, the reality of risk is shared.

Dispatchers receiving calls from people in dire circumstances

Corrections officers facing a disturbance in the yard

Paramedics being assaulted while providing patient care

Firefighters facing down encroaching wildfires that threaten the community

Military personnel serving in a combat zone

“I never know who will come home
after a deployment.”

– Military spouse

Facing Risk Head on,
as a Garnet Family

Defence and public safety personnel face constant risks in their roles and worry about how these risks can affect families in various ways. Children may revert to earlier behaviours, like wanting to sleep with a parent. Parents might closely follow news and become distressed by incomplete information on social media. The ripple effect of these risks is real, making it crucial to address them proactively and get ahead of the challenges.

While no one can remove all risk or its pervasive impact, Garnet Families provides evidence-based tools and resources that can help families understand the nature of risk, incorporate strategies to manage it, and find ways to talk about it, together.

PSPNET Families

Check out PSPNET Families for their topics on navigating risk. PSPNET Families also offers a range of information and skill-building resources, along with internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy, in their Spouse & Significant Other Wellbeing course for public safety families.

Information

To help address family issues related to the occupational risks and requirements of public safety work.

Strategies & Skill-Building Exercises

Tips and exercises are designed to address issues described in the information pages.

Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course

A self-guided, cognitive behavioural therapy program for PSP spouses or significant others.

Worry Comes in
All Shapes and Sizes

Navigating your own reaction to risk is difficult when it feels like others are closer to the risk than you are. Maybe your adult child serves and you don’t want to add to their partner’s stress. Perhaps your best friend is on active duty but you don’t want to overstep their parents’ worries. Still, your concerns are always valid. Make sure you don’t ignore them.

Keep
Exploring

Balancing
Work and Family

Realities
of Relocating

Managing
Complex Identities

For Leaders

Get Involved

Interested in volunteering, sharing information, or requesting a presentation about Garnet Families? Please contact us.

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