Welcome to RED Friday Talks—Remember Everyone Deployed

At RED Friday Talks, we are dedicated to providing free and accessible peer support training to first responders, veterans, their families, and anyone affected by trauma. Our mission is to empower individuals with the tools to build strong support networks, foster resilience, and promote the well-being of those who sacrifice so much for our communities.

Our Story: A Movement That Became a Mission

REDFriday Talks was born out of a grassroots movement that began in the early 2000s. The concept of "Red Friday" was initiated by two military spouses, Karen Boire and Lisa Miller, whose husbands were deployed in Afghanistan. They wanted to create a simple yet meaningful way for Canadians to show their solidarity with soldiers deployed overseas. Their idea was simple: wear a red shirt or piece of clothing every Friday.

This small act of support quickly grew into a national movement and became a tradition embraced by communities across Canada.

The acronym RED—Remember Everyone Deployed—captured the essence of the campaign, serving as a weekly reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. In May 2006, Karen and Lisa organized the first Red Friday rally in Petawawa, Ontario. It gained national attention and culminated with a major rally on Parliament Hill in September 2006, where thousands of people came together in red to show their support. The movement took off, with schools, workplaces, and entire communities adopting RED Fridays as a way to honor those serving in the Canadian Forces.

As the movement gained traction, the need for more than symbolic support became apparent. This realization led to the creation of REDFriday Talks, an organization that builds on the spirit of the original initiative while providing education, resources, and programs to directly support veterans, first responders, and their families.

What We Do Today

RED Friday Talks has taken the legacy of Red Fridays and transformed it into a comprehensive program of support and training that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. Our work includes a variety of initiatives designed to provide practical solutions to those affected by trauma and stress.

Free Peer Support Training We offer free peer support training to first responders, veterans, and their families. Developed over decades of lived experience in emergency services, our training programs provide essential skills that can be applied in professional, organizational, and family settings.

Level 1: Building the Foundation (Free) Our Level 1 training is a comprehensive video-based program that equips participants with the tools to provide and receive peer support.

This program has successfully helped establish peer support teams within: fire departments, public safety agencies, and Agencies organizations.

What You’ll Learn in Level 1:

The importance of peer support in addressing trauma and stress. -

Active listening and communication techniques. recognizing signs of emotional distress. Self-care strategies for peer supporters. How to build a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.

Who Should Attend Level 1:

First responders (police, firefighters, EMTs). Veterans and military personnel. family members of service professionals. Those affected by narcissistic abuse or moral injury. Anyone interested in learning peer support skills.

Level 2: Practical Application and Certification (Paid) For those seeking a deeper understanding, our Level 2 training provides practical exercises and certification.

This program is ideal for individuals who wish to become certified peer supporters within their organizations.

Key Focus Areas in Level 2: - Effective intervention strategies. - Navigating complex peer support situations. - Advanced communication and conflict resolution skills. --- ###

Special Focus: Narcissistic Abuse and Moral Injury We address unique challenges such as narcissistic abuse and moral injury, which are often overlooked in traditional support systems. Our training programs include tools and resources specifically designed to help individuals recognize, recover from, and heal these invisible wounds.

Level 3: Building Your Team—Professional Support For organizations looking to establish or enhance their peer support programs, we offer tailored professional services. This includes training, program development, and ongoing mentorship. Whether you represent a company, a fire department, or a military unit, we can help you build a resilient and supportive team. -

Show Your Commitment: Attendance Certificates We understand that documentation can be essential in certain cases, such as court proceedings. Certificates of attendance are available for those who complete our Stronger Together Peer Support training.

From Tradition to Transformation Red Friday Talks remains rooted in the tradition of RED Fridays, while expanding its mission to meet the evolving needs of veterans, first responders, and their families.

With every red shirt worn on Fridays, we continue to honor the original vision created by Karen Boire and Lisa Miller. But more importantly, we are taking action to ensure those who serve and sacrifice have access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. Get Involved Whether you’re a first responder, veteran, family member, or supportive civilian, there’s a place for you in the Red Friday Talks community. Here’s how you can join us:

Take Part in Peer Support Training: Start with Level 1 and learn the foundations of peer support for free.

Volunteer: Help us expand our reach and make a difference in the lives of those who serve.

Share Your Story: Inspire others by sharing your experiences.

Wear Red on Fridays: Keep the tradition alive and show your support for everyone deployed. --- ## Contact Us For questions or to inquire about our professional services, please reach out:

Supporting Those Who Serve, Empowering Those Who Protect, and Building Resilient Communities Through Understanding and Action.