The Royal Canadian Legion Operational Stress Injury Special Section (BSO Legion OSI) has launched Buddy Check Coffee, a program to help Veterans gather to enjoy peer support, while sipping coffee.
The Royal Canadian Legion Operational Stress Injury Special Section (BSO Legion OSI) has launched a program to help Veterans gather to enjoy peer support, while sipping coffee.
Buddy Check Coffee is a Veteran run program offering comradeship in a relaxed environment, allowing for networking and sharing of experiences and stories.
“It can make a difference for so many veterans,” says Chris Richardson, co-founder of the Legion’s OSI Special Section and its newest program, Buddy Check Coffee. “I’m excited to see the program launch nationally.”
Chris is an 11-year veteran of the Canadian Forces with service in the Gulf War, UN Cyprus, NATO, submarines and ships. He joined the Legion in 2015.
Joe Elliott, 22-year Gulf War Veteran of the Royal Navy, is another co-founder of the Legion’s OSI Special Section and of Buddy Check Coffee.
“I joined the Legion and immediately found myself making connections and meeting other Veterans,” says Elliott. “I found that just going for a cup of coffee and checking in with each other was so good for my mental health and my fellow Veterans. We started doing this on red Fridays in Prince George and called it Buddy Check Coffee. My hope is Veterans will start connecting and supporting each other as only our Veteran Brothers and Sisters can.”
The program is currently looking for coordinators to start Buddy Check Coffee in communities across Canada.
Program coordinators must be a Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP Veteran (retired or still serving), have or be willing to take the Mental Health First Aid Course for Veterans, and be a Legion member with membership in BSO Legion OSI (free for Legion members).
If you are interested please reach out to Chris or Joe: chris.richardson@bsovetsosi.com | joe.elliott@bsovetsosi.com
About BSO Legion OSI
The Royal Canadian Legion Operational Stress Injury Special Section is a national, member-driven initiative that provides outreach, peer support, and referral services for Veterans and their families who are affected by operational stress injuries, including anxiety, depression, addictions, PTSD or other mental health challenges. Learn more.
Other BSO Legion OSI programs:
https://legion.ca/news/2019/06/16/the-royal-canadian-legion-launches-operation-vetbuild
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