FRRP Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

  • The BC First Responder Resiliency Program (FFRP) is a peer-based program that has demonstrated clinically and statistically significant outcomes on standardized measures of depression, trauma symptomology, social and occupational functioning and personal well-being that are durable at six months of post program completion. 

    The program has operated since 2017 with 500+ participants in BC. The program has also been adapted for use by first responders in Australia.

  • Under the guidance of two clinician-facilitators, you and your fellow participants will cover:

    1. The mechanisms and effects of operational stress on the body, brain, behaviour and relationships.

    2. The impact of personal first-response experiences through discussion with other peers in a systematic and professionally facilitated environment.

    3. Communication skills, peer support skills for dealing with operational stress,  strengthening knowledge and skills to maintain personal resilience and well-being.

    4. Ways to help resolve events from the past that are impacting your current functioning – work, family, and social.

    5. Improving relationships with spouses, partners and family members.

    6. Peer support and connection to other services offered in the workplace and community.

  • You are encouraged to connect with a mental health professional before and after the program for maximum benefit. You can find a recommended counsellor here if you do not have one: First Responder Health (BC Directory) or Warrior Health (National Directory).

Program Policies & Rules

  • If for any reason a prospective participant cannot adhere to these rules, they should withdraw from the program:

    1. There is zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use at the program. 

    2. All participants are expected to be active and respectful members of a group learning environment.

    3. The program is not suitable for those who are actively suicidal.

  • Please dress in comfortable clothing and prepare for the weather with appropriate outdoor footwear, rain jacket, and warm clothes for the evening.

  • In the weeks prior to the program, one of the clinicians will contact you to arrange a short telephone call to confirm some details regarding your participation.

  • One week before the program starts, you will be invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire which measures stress, anxiety, depression, social and interpersonal relationship functioning.

    The same questions are repeated two more times - two weeks after the program, and six months after the program.

    Your anonymous results are combined with data from other participants and analyzed by Blueprint and UBC researchers to determine the program’s effectiveness. The program data has been independently evaluated by researchers at the University of Canberra, and the published results of that study will help us to establish sustainable funding for first responder resilience. 

    Your individual responses are only viewed by the researchers, and are never shared with anyone else - including your union, and your employer.

    It is not mandatory to participate in data collection, and you can withdraw your participation at any time.

  • Not at this time.

Timing, Logistics & Other Details

  • 3.5 days. The normal schedule is Monday at 12:00 until Thursday at 16:00. The schedule may change due to statutory holidays (e.g. Remembrance Day).

  • Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre
    14500 Silver Valley Road
    Maple Ridge, BC

  • The Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre is about 1.5 hours from the VYR airport or Horseshoe Bay/Tsawwassen ferry terminals.

    You should arrange to arrive by vehicle. There is ample parking onsite.

    Please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the program starts.

  • $3,000 for members of BCPFFA affiliate local members in 2025-2026.

    Others and out of province registration is $5,300 per person.

    There may be cost-sharing agreements in place with your professional association, employer or union.

    We can invoice your employer or your union, but you must obtain prior approval and time off (via an agreement with your employer, union or shift trade/swap).

    If you would like to remain anonymous, you can choose to pay the cost yourself and your name and participation in the program will be kept confidential.Item description

  • Accommodations in a private dormitory, including linens and towels.

    All meals are included. The meal plan is healthy, nutritious, and hearty.

    Meal requests (dietary restrictions/allergies) can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please indicate your needs when you register.

  • Please bring your personal toiletries, pillow, travel mug and water bottle. You may wish to bring your slippers and ear plugs.

  • Please dress in comfortable clothing and prepare for the weather with appropriate outdoor footwear, rain jacket, and warm clothes for the evening.

  • Cell phone signal is extremely limited. There is wifi, and a landline telephone is available.

    Please limit cell phone use to break times, meal times, and your free time in the evening, unless there is an urgent personal matter.

  • Please book 5 days off, plus additional time you may require to travel to/from your home travel. Participants are expected to not work the night shift directly after the program nor the following day/night shift, with the earliest return to work by Saturday, if scheduled.

  • Please fill out the program registration form. After that, you should speak to your employer or union representative, if they will be sponsoring payment and granting your time off.