BOS Program

(Before Operational Stress)

Since its inception, BOS has been instrumental in helping frontline individuals prepare for and cope with the psychological demands of their roles.

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What is BOS

The Before Operational Stress (BOS) program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support the mental health and resilience of public safety personnel, first responders, and frontline health services workers. This program provides practical tools and strategies to manage the unique stressors faced by these professionals.

Since its inception, BOS has been instrumental in helping frontline individuals prepare for and cope with the psychological demands of their roles. The program is based on the latest research in mental health and developed by leading experts in the field, ensuring that participants receive the highest quality support.

One of our cornerstone offerings at Onward Wellness is the BOS program. We are proud to be a regional provider for this esteemed program, which is in partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada. The program’s structure ensures that participants receive comprehensive support and education to improve their mental health and operational readiness.

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Who can benefit from BOS?

The BOS program is designed for a wide range of public safety personnel and frontline workers, including:

Police officers and other law enforcement professionals
Firefighters
Paramedics and emergency medical responders
Correctional officers
Public safety communications officials (dispatchers)
Healthcare workers, including nurses and physicians
Military personnel and veterans

Key Components

Education and Awareness
Participants receive detailed education about the psychological effects of stress and trauma. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the impact of their work on mental health and recognizing early signs of distress.
Skill Development
The program focuses on developing practical skills that participants can use in their daily lives. These skills include stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, and strategies for emotional regulation.
Peer Support
BOS fosters a sense of community and mutual support among participants. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, individuals can build a supportive network that extends beyond the program.

Resilience Building
The program emphasizes the importance of resilience – the ability to recover from setbacks and maintain mental wellbeing in the face of adversity. Participants learn techniques to strengthen their resilience and sustain their mental health over time.
Evidence-Informed Approach
The BOS program is rooted in evidence-informed practices. It incorporates techniques and strategies that have proven effective in reducing stress and enhancing resilience.

BOS at Onward Wellness

At Onward Wellness, we offer the in-person BOS Intensive. This version of the BOS program is 8 modules delivered over an 8-week period in-person at our Onward Wellness clinic in Red Deer. Each module focuses on a different aspect of mental health and resilience, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach. Participants gradually build and reinforce their skills.

Register
Weekly Sessions
Structured sessions led by trained facilitators who guide participants through the material and facilitate discussions.
Learn Skills
Interactive Learning
Practical exercises and activities that enable participants to apply what they have learned and practice new skills in a supportive environment.
Heal
Personal Reflection
Opportunities for personal reflection and self-assessment, helping participants to gain insight and awareness into their own mental health and identify areas for improvement.

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How to participate

Participation in the BOS program can be arranged through various channels, including individual enrolment and organizational partnerships. If you are interested in learning more about the program or enrolling in an upcoming session at Onward Wellness in Red Deer, feel free to contact us.

Onward Wellness (previously Wayfound Mental Health Group Red Deer) is a team of mental health professionals dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care and counselling to Red Deer and the Central Alberta area.