Upcoming Programs and Peer Support Group Registration

Program Description:

 A “Do No Harm” peer-led approach to peer support. This is available online across Canada & is peer-led by trained peers which follows the OSI-CAN model of peer support. These groups are run as hybrids that can be attended both in person & online. 

Groups included through WWS include General Peer Support for Uniformed Services, Spousal Peer Support, Couples Peer Support (this is couple to couple support not a group with multiple couples), Military/Service Sexual Trauma Survivors Peer Support, & Faith Based Peer Support (available by phone only currently as a one to one call). All peer support groups run on a bi-weekly basis. 

• This is not therapist-led peer support.
• All peer support facilitators are OSI-CAN trained & certified to lead peer support. This is a requirement due to the content that is covered in peer support groups, as those who are in the acute stages of their injury are also able to access these groups online so special training is required. 
• For the Service Sexual Trauma Peer Support Group, the security is extremely tight, & for this reason, WWS does not advertise this group on our events page. If this is a group that you are looking to access, please contact our administration. You only need to say that you are hoping to join this group, & which uniform you serve/or served, & our admin will put you in contact with the group facilitators to do a soft intake interview with you.
• As groups are primarily online there is room for up to 12ppl (additional groups may be started if group sizes exceed 12ppl). General peer support for uniformed services runs two times a day every other week.

Program Description: 

This workshop is a 3-hour introduction to horses for the purpose of maintaining wellness.

• If you had a negative experience with horses you are hoping to get over or are thinking of taking equine therapy but are hesitant to join because the thought of doing therapy while working with a large animal might be intimidating, or you want to learn new ways of communicating through body language in order to reconnect with yourself, this is a perfect workshop for you.
• In this workshop, participants learn non-verbal communication skills that can be used in everyday life, as well as build confidence, & look introspectively at themselves because, while we can lie to ourselves & to others, the beauty of horses is that we cannot lie to them. They meet us where we are at.
• This seasonal program involves a blend of classroom learning & hands-on experience working with our horses outside in the round pen.
• Group size maximum capacity is 4ppl OR 2 families (no more than 4ppl per family)

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “I enjoyed everything! ❤️ the small group size was perfect, the intro videos were awe inspiring, grooming the horses was a nice way to meet them both, working with them in the round pen was challenging in a way i never expected, and then the sit down afterwards to reflect on specific questions tied it all together. And everything flowed together for a beautiful & empowering experience! ❤️” from Participant 2024

• “I have done equine group therapy twice before and this exercise was new so it was great to learn another new way of communicating and connecting with a beautiful soul!” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “I think its perfect the way it is but i also have no prior experience with being around horses in a wellness setting” from Participant 2024

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Yes” from Participant 2024

• “Definitely!” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “Beautifully mind blowing! My prior experience with horses was over 30 yrs ago. And back then it was training by breaking the horse, not building a relationship with the horse. Seeing both horses respond differently to each participant was amazing! And then for myself working with each horse and how they responded to me was awesome!” from Participant 2024

• “It was great!” from Participant 2024

Program Description: 

Have you ever thought about taking up painting, or painting but wanted to learn how to paint with a new style, or just paint to find peace? In this workshop, our facilitator teaches us how to paint everything from Picasso to Ted Harris, to the Northern Lights & everything in between in a step-by-step process that literally anyone can follow. If you don’t feel like trying what is being taught the way it’s being shown because you want to try your own interpretation or choose your own adventure, that’s great too!

• All supplies for this program are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies if that is their preference.
• This program is now available as an in-person and online hybrid.
• Group size maximum capacity is 6ppl in person, plus 6ppl online

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “It was a great opportunity to get out to the ranch in the spring and to participate in a great workshop that was very enjoyable. WWS is a great space where they make you feel safe in community.” from Participant 2024

• “Very soothing and relaxing and was able to draw my mine onto the piece of paper” from Participant 2024

• “The creativity and calm setting.” from Participant 2024

• “The workshop made the process simple. It pulls you into the moment where the art becomes peaceful.” from Participant 2024

• “I was not in the best spot emotionally when the workshop started and I was completely exhausted and thinking my painting was going to look nothing like how I wanted it to as I couldn’t focus on much, but thanks to Lucie the facilitators patience and instruction/guidance, it ended up being exactly what I needed and I was so incredibly grateful for the experience and even how it turned out!” from Participant 2024

• “I attended virtually. The atmosphere was relaxed. The instruction was easy to follow. The art varied beautifully.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “Perhaps a post board on line that others can see and become inspired to attend.” from Participant 2024

• “I enjoy the workshop.” from Participant 2024

• “No it’s awesome” from Participant 2024

• “I thought it was perfect as it was.” from Participant 2024

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Yes” from Participant 2024

• “I absolutely recommend this worship!” from Participant 2024

• “In a heartbeat” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “WWS makes people feel welcome and safe” from Participant 2024

• “Enjoyed the session!” from Participant 2024

“The time and effort put into the workshops are appreciated and grounding.” from Participant 2024

• “Thank you for what you all do for those of us trying to maintain our wellness with being injured in ways we can even do or explore at home. It is truly amazing and really helpful and I am looking forward to doing art with the my own daughter now this weekend.” from Participant 2024

• “Prior to this event, i had only ever painted a paint by number as a child, so i was quite unsure of how things would go. It was well balanced with instruction & time to create each step.” from Participant 2024

Program Description: 

Like horses, bees are beautiful and intelligent creatures (more than we realize!), & like horses, you cannot lie to a bee about where your energy is at.

• This workshop is a great introduction not only to caring for bees but, more importantly, to understand them, their benefits, such as the delicious honey they produce and its many uses, & what bees can teach us about where we are at with our own energy.
• Through learning to listen to the sound of their buzzing, as well as learning the differences in their bee-haviour, & that moment of realization when we listen to them & notice the shift and calm that starts to happen when we let ourselves relax around them so we can visually & audibly start to see/hear the difference in how they perceive us as humans. 
• It is incredible to realize how grounded they can help us become when we start to understand them, & recognize they have helped us to become more in tune with ourselves.
• Bee keeping suits are provided
• Group size maximum capacity is 4ppl

Program Description: 

Music is a universal language that can be spoken by everyone. It helps us release those emotions we struggle to put into words, it has the power to lift our spirits, it can help us relax, & it can help us unwind & just have fun!

• In this workshop, peers come together to play instruments, sing, & just have a good time in a space without judgment.
• If you have never played guitar but want to learn some basics, or you want to try a space drum or play the spoons, or if you think you sound like a screeching cat but don’t care because you just love to sing, or you have the voice of an angel, this is a great fun workshop to take part in.
• All instruments are provided, so you do not need to bring your own.
• If a person wishes to bring their own instruments, they must confirm with our administration in advance that it is okay, as space is limited.
• During the spring, summer, & fall, this workshop is done outside when the weather permits.
• Group size maximum capacity is 6ppl

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “I loved everyone coming together regardless of skill to enjoy a great day In the sun” from Participant 2024

• “Sharing music with the like minded people, focus on music and nothing else” from Participant 2024

• “Beautiful environment beautiful day” from Participant 2024

• “We got to do music outside in the sun today and it was amazing!” from Participant 2024

• “There's no judgement. Anyone is welcome. And its a great time.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “Nope!” from Participant 2024

• “The hosts do a great job and no matter your ability all are welcome.” from Participant 2024

• “I would like to see it done like an open mic style sometimes where everyone bring music they can play and we all take turns learning those songs too” from Participant 2024

• “They do a terrrific job. And make everything comfortable.” from Participant 2024

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Yep!” from Participant 2024

• “Yes, it is great therapy for me and I’m sure others would benefit as well.” from Participant 2024

• “Absolutely” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “I’m so glad that these programs are being offered and they are offered in a positive and mentally and physically safe environment” from Participant 2024

• “This was a lot of fun with a nice size group that makes you feel very comfortable” from Participant 2024

• “The more we can do these outside the better. The acoustics are even better” from Participant 2024

• “I am very proud to be apart of WWS.” from Participant 2024

Program Description: 

Yoga & meditation have been centuries-old methods used to learn calming breathing techniques, as well as to help people connect with their spirituality, & learn to ground themselves to help them maintain their balance & find inner peace/calm.

• All materials, such as yoga mats, blankets, & meditation pillows to sit on, are provided, but participants are also welcome to bring their own.
• The WWS facilitator has specifically geared her program to understanding the mindset of the first responder & military/veteran community, as she is a first responder herself & understands those needs.
• This program is offered in person during the spring, summer, & fall, & is available online during the winter. WWS outdoor yoga & meditation platform is used as much as the weather permits for an added sense of calm, peace, & tranquility.
• Group size maximum capacity is 6ppl for in person

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “That it brought me back to the importance of getting back on top of not only my breathing especially when I have had a busy week of hectic and triggering events, but also of getting back on top of my need to meditate and make that time commitment to myself and my own wellness for MY balance.” from Participant 2024

• “Listening and watching instruction that is likely going to help me enormously when struggling with my symptoms.” from Participant 2024

• “The instructor was very knowledgeable and shared lots of information that we can use daily” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “Aside from fixing the issue with Zoom (which I know wasn't their fault), no there is nothing I would change. As an online workshop it was great overall.” from Participant 2024

• “No. It was the perfect balance between teaching meditation techniques without participants falling asleep, which wouldn’t be a bad thing because it would be unequivocal proof that it works!” from Participant 2024

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Absolutely!!” from Participant 2024

• “Absolutely.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “I am extremely grateful that I made the time to participate in this today, as I knew I needed it...I just didn't realize how bad I needed it.” from Participant 2024

• “Other than I felt lucky and grateful for the opportunity to participate and learn - Thank you.” from Participant 2024

• “This was a very grounding and useful workshop. This was more like learning a tool that we can use in our daily lives recovering from trauma injury.” from Participant 2024

Program Description:

Part of many wellness practices often involves finding ourselves more involved with connecting to the earth. What better way to do this than through gardening?

• In this program, our participants will come together as a community to plant, maintain, & care for our community garden & learn about the produce that we grow at WWS each year & why we plant the things we do from a professional horticulturalist.
• We will learn not only the nutritional benefits of each herb & fruit or vegetable, but also why certain things are planted together & how they work together to not only be visually pleasing to the eye, but also how each thing helps each other to grow better.
• Once harvest season comes around, the fruits of everyone’s labor will be distributed to all of those who have participated throughout the summer, & any left-over abundance will be donated to other first responders, military/veterans, & their families in need.
• Group size maximum capacity is 6ppl

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “This was a great opportunity to get your hands in the dirt and just escape the stress and busyness of your life. I really enjoyed learning how easy gardening was and how the different plants work to complement each other.” from Participant 2024

• “Frankie-Lou’s informative knowledge and artistic take on gardening were just what I was looking to learn. Any workshop she holds would be worthy of attending.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “I’ve attended several workshops with WWS now and I have zero complaints at all about any of them. I really appreciated however at the end of this one that we had a BBQ at the end to wrap it up with a meal as a group and talked about the workshop and kids and just good things in general. It was a really nice mental break. I know it probably can’t be done every time understandably, but maybe a meal of some sort after workshops whether it’s a BBQ or a potluck where everyone brings something would be really nice from time to time. It really added to the feeling of being in community.” from Participant 2024

• “The plans and the names of the plants would be helpful for future reference.” from Participant 2024 (our administrator will share this info no problem)

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Yes” from Participant 2024

• “Absolutely! It’s a great feeling when we get to play in the soil and get grounded again. It was amazingly beneficial.” from Participant 2024

• “Lean in and let these knowledgeable and compassionate people show you how to change your life. They truly care about giving people tools to move forward.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “WWS does a great job providing a safe environment where you feel at home and welcome. It is a beautiful site along the creek and in the beautiful foothills.” from Participant 2024

• “This workshop was freaking awesome for the gardening nerd in me!!! ❤️” from Participant 2024

• “Please keep up this invaluable work.” from Participant 2024

Program Description: 

Part of maintaining balance for many, includes reconnecting with our spirit, & learning from our elders the ways that have worked traditionally for thousands of years. It can open our minds to help us learn ways in which we might further learn to shift our perspective on how we look at the importance of maintaining our spirit, our humanity, & even the role our families & community play in helping us maintain our wellness with PTSD/OSI injury.

• WWS works with several Indigenous Elders from Calgary, Cochrane, & surrounding areas to provide the gift of passing knowledge through traditional teachings & ceremonies, meant to bring the community together.
• Through participating in more intense ceremonies such as sweats, which are different from the ceremonies we hold in the WWS tipi (or ranch house in the winter), these are more personal, & a person needs to be both mentally, emotionally, & physically prepared.
• During ceremonies & sweats, WWS encourages its participants to follow the traditional protocols when preparing to attend, which are reviewed upon registration (such as the importance of tobacco in a ceremony, dress attire, etc.).
• Group size maximum capacity is 8ppl

Program Description: 

Like music, photography is a unique way to allow us to share, emote, & speak without words...as the old expressions go "a picture is worth a thousand words" or "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". It can help us release those emotions we struggle to put into words, it has the power to lift our spirits, it can help us relax, have an outdoor adventure, or it can help us unwind & just have fun getting lost in the moment!

• In this workshop, peers come together to learn ways they can utilize the camera on their phone they may not have known or have forgotten about, & just have a good time in a space without judgment.
• If you have never played around much with photography but want to learn some basics,  this is a great fun workshop to take part in.
• During the spring, summer, and fall, this workshop is done outside when the weather permits, & is available as an online workshop in the winter.
• Group size maximum capacity is 6ppl in person. 12ppl for online

What did you enjoy about this workshop?

• “Everything. This workshop was fun, informative, relaxing and peaceful. I learned a great deal about a very interesting subject something I can use everyday” from Participant 2024

• “Learning new phone photography skills and the environment of the work shop.” from Participant 2024

• “Learning how to improve taking photos with my cell phone” from Participant 2024

Is there anything you would like to see added, or that you think WWS team could maybe do differently for this workshop?

• “Nothing” from Participant 2024

Would you recommend this workshop to another First Responder, Military, Veteran, and their family living with PTSD to participate in this workshop?

• “Yes” from Participant 2024

• “Would definitely recommend this workshop.” from Participant 2024

Is there anything else you would like WWS and our team to know about your experience with us?

• “Was another great experience and though leaving my House some days due to PTSD struggles just nice to have an environment that is just about an experience it's not like going to Psychologist or group. The day at the Ranch feels like a normal day with an activity that walk away feeling relaxed and good after being in that environment” from Participant 2024

• “We were very happy with this workshop.” from Participant 2024