About ShapedByService.ca
About the project
Many Veterans and family members have struggled with loss, grief and occupational stress injury. This website is a collaborative project made with and for CAF and RCMP Veterans, and their families. It was written and assembled by professionals working in the areas of grief and trauma. Many of the Veterans who participated in this project did so to help others, to give back, and to provide a sense of hope. By sharing their stories, these men and women are working to make something positive come out of the difficult experiences that are too often a part of service careers.
Veterans and those still in service may find this resource helpful, but it is not a substitute for professional counselling or other health services.
Each topic contains information and practical tools. It is intended to help you with the challenges of life during and after service. It takes work, but it is worth the effort to strengthen your capacity to deal with grief and trauma.
We would like to thank all those who shared their stories or their expertise with us, providing invaluable content for the website. Find the full list of contributors below, and visit the Video Gallery to learn more about the Veterans and families.
How to use this site
It's up to you to decide what works best for you. Everyone experiences grief differently. You may find that some topics or sections are more useful as you move through grief and your needs change. There are 13 topics, all of which include text and videos. You choose the content you are interested in. You can pick certain subjects or browse through all of the content. You can visit the site as many times as you want.
Sensitive content warning
Frequently asked questions
If you need support
The content may evoke uncomfortable or strong emotions. If this happens, you may wish to stop viewing the module and attend to yourself (you can return to the content later). You may want to contact a trusted colleague or friend or a supportive counsellor. If you require crisis intervention supports, refer to our resources page.
Contributors
We are grateful to the late John Embury whose commitment to supporting Veteran and family grief was instrumental in making this resource possible.
Development team
Contributors and reviewers
Video interviewees
Sharing
We encourage organizations to share these documents widely by adding a link on their websites, and printing and distributing materials, including in their newsletters and presentations. Please ensure that you acknowledge Canadian Virtual Hospice and Veterans Affairs Canada.
To organize a webinar on this content, email info@virtualhospice.ca.
Disclaimer and privacy
This information is not meant to replace professional services. Individuals who use this content do so by their own choice. While care has been taken to ensure that this course reflects the state of general knowledge and expert consensus about loss and grief at the date of publication, Canadian Virtual Hospice does not make any warranty or guarantee in respect to any of the contents or information nor accept responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors or omissions, regardless of whether those errors or omissions were made negligently or otherwise. For further information, view our Privacy Policy and Legal Notices.