Developing cultural competency training for app-based peer supporters caring for Canadian public safety personnel

Public safety personnel (PSP) are routinely exposed to stressful situations, which increase their risk for negative mental health impacts - including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened many of these stressors and has likely had long-term impacts on their mental health. Despite this, there is a lack of evidence-informed training available for app-based peer supporters on the specific mental health needs of PSP. Building on our existing knowledge, we aim to: (1) Refine and finalize our pre-existing PSP cultural competency framework using data from Canadian PSP collected by the TRRU for a previous CIHR catalyst grant on Canadian PSP; (2) Adapt a virtual trauma-informed educational (at an appropriate level of training) curriculum to educate app-based peer supporters on the specific needs and experiences of Canadian PSP, which will integrate the cultural competency framework; (3) Host these training materials online at no cost for future learners. Quantitative data from our ongoing quantitative survey of the mental health and well-being of Canadian PSP (since 2021) and extensive qualitative interviews of over 60 PSP during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with our identification of factors (including sex, gender, and intersectional identity) influencing PSP mental health, will be leveraged towards building upon the model, key themes, and training materials. The TRRU is well positioned for this project, as our team consists of experts in trauma-related illnesses with experience developing trauma-informed prevention and early intervention efforts for Canadian PSP. Overall, the Canadian PSP workforce is facing a crisis as an increasing number of personnel are considering leaving the profession. Thus, addressing the mental health needs of PSP is critical to ensuring the sustainability of this workforce, and this project will contribute to peer responders' ability to provide culturally responsive support to Canadian PSP.