SPIRIT Program

By reflecting on shared experiences and discovering the power of connection, SPIRIT aims to help women Veterans in exploring supports and strengthening their overall sense of wellbeing. When strong relationships are formed and a sense of community is established, our capacity to move towards healing increases. 

 

Through the generous funding from Veterans Affairs Canada, we are excited to offer the SPIRIT program designed to support women Veterans living in the Central & Western Regions of Nova Scotia (Halifax to Digby). This program is run in partnership with Rohan Wood Stables, Clannad Counselling & Consulting Inc., and the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association.

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About the Program:

SPIRIT is designed for all women CAF/RCMP Veterans (a VAC award is not required to participate). Individuals who identify from the 2SlGBTQ+ community are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

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This program contains three components, with the first two running simultaneously:

 

1. The first component involves 8 weeks of Equine Supported Wellness Sessions (ESW). Participants will have the opportunity to spend time at Rohan Wood Stables with a small herd of gentle and compassionate horses. Participants will be guided through carefully constructed exercises with the support of a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist. The intention of these sessions is to allow for opportunities of reflection in how some of our patterns may keep us feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Weekly intention and attention will be placed upon supporting ourselves to settle into the space and experience moments of presence.  These sessions occur once per week and are 2 hours in length for the full 8 weeks. Although 8 weeks of this program involves working with horses, it is important to note that absolutely no previous horse experience is required.

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2. The second portion of the program involves monthly Lunch and Learn opportunities. The Lunch and Learn opportunities are carefully designed to allow all participants to gather together to focus upon different topics that support our learning as we seek to move towards greater wellness. These Lunch and Learns include fun and engaging therapeutic experiences, relaxed and informal community workshops, and opportunities to connect with one another through shared experiences.

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3. SPIRIT participants are invited to attend a weekend retreat (September 22nd-24th, 2023) at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth to celebrate the completion of the program.

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Together these program components will provide participants with the opportunity to connect with other women Veterans in a safe environment while learning new skills, discovering strengths, inspiring one another and exploring the healing power of relationships. 

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