HOPE marks 20 years of peer support

HOPE marks 20 years of peer support

June 16, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:54

20 years ago, a simple idea took shape: that no one in the military community should face grief alone.

Since 2006, Helping Our Peers by Providing Empathy (HOPE) has offered peer support and practical tools to help bereaved CAF members and military families better understand loss, cope with its effects, and feel less alone.

Program built on shared experience

HOPE connects people with trained volunteers who have experienced similar loss. This shared understanding creates personal support grounded in lived experience.

"What was key then, and remains key today, is the importance of lived experience," said Sophie Richard, HOPE Program manager. "Through someone who has walked the path, people can identify with one another's suffering but also see hope."

Supporting members and their families

Grief affects every part of a person's life, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Through conversation, guidance, and presence, HOPE helps participants navigate challenges and better understand grief.

Recognizing those behind the program

To mark its 20th anniversary, HOPE volunteers gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the HOPE National Conference, recognizing two decades of peer support across the CAF.

The Honourable Peter MacKay addressed attendees, highlighting the program's impact on bereaved members and families.

Brigadier-General Serge Ménard, Commander of the CAF Transition Group (CAF TG), joined by the Chief Warrant Officer Gaudreau, also recognized the vital role of HOPE peer volunteers and their lived experience.

"The program has grown alongside our understanding of how critical mental health is for serving members and their families," said Ms. Richard. "Many families have been helped, and the program continues to grow in a very positive way."

The role of volunteers

At the heart of HOPE are its peer volunteers. Having experienced loss themselves, they offer a compassionate, non-judgemental presence to others. "I think it has made me a better person," said Bonnie Rushowick, a volunteer since 2014. "I'm not afraid to pick up the phone to call others who are grieving."

Their support helps create a space where people feel heard, understood, and less alone.

Voices of experience

"Talking to someone that's been there before is such an encouragement," said Melody Mitchell, a volunteer since 2010.

"It was like a light bulb moment that I might have something to offer," said Edith McQueen, who joined the program in 2021.

"It allows someone to know that there is someone at the other end that gets it," added Sherelyn Christiansen. "They may just want to sit on the phone and say nothing. That's okay."

HOPE's future

Twenty years later, HOPE continues to grow while staying true to its purpose, supporting bereaved CAF members and their families through connection, understanding, and care.

To learn more: HOPE-ESPOIR

Volunteer info: Become a Volunteer