I think you're right, Erin, that veterans naturally need to go to someplace where they feel they're understood. When we're trying to certify clinicians in our programs as Wounded Warriors Canada clinicians, we have three criteria. If somebody is a good individual counsellor, that's great, but can they work with a group? That's the way we do our things. As well, do they understand trauma? As a third piece, do they understand and value the values of uniform service? If they don't meet one of those, then they can't counsel and they can't be part of our clinical team, because they won't be received by the veterans.
We've toured, as part of our partnerships in learning, a number of the organizations—that all end in the word “wood”—around the province. Some we felt really positive about, and some...you know. And they're kind of conscious of that. I know that Bellwood in Toronto was trying to create almost a zone where if veterans were being treated, they would feel a little bit more comfort and feel valued as veterans.
That meaning piece, that identity piece, is an important piece. Our national patron, Roméo Dallaire, talks about that as always being part of the struggle with mental health. That identity piece is so critical: “You just threw me in with all these...and I've served my country. This doesn't make any sense. I don't feel valued.” Whether or not that's right or wrong, that's how they feel. You have to accommodate that so that you can gear up for success.
Yes, it's a real problem; I agree with you.