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The Burns Way Launches with Over 50 Volunteer Veteran Peers

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OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian veterans now have a lifeline for support – Burns Way, a first-of-its-kind anonymous peer support program launched today. Burns Way, a not-for-profit company founded, funded and supported by TryCycle Data Systems, is a pioneering peer support initiative aiming to empower Canadian veterans through anonymous, judgment-free connections with their trained peers – other veterans whose lived experiences in service make them Uniquely able to respond.

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The mobile app, which can also be accessed from any desktop browser, is now available in app stores.

“The Burns Method is committed to supporting veterans with resources and meaningful connection with real people – we don’t use chatbots or artificial intelligence,” said Cameron McLeod, project lead. “We are proud to offer this new layer of anonymous support, especially for those veterans who are hesitant to seek help.”

The eight-year development journey involved veterans, veterans service organizations, mental health professionals, and other key stakeholders. The Board of Directors includes representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans of Canada (ANAVETS), Indigenous Veterans of Canada (AVA), Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, Rainbow Veterans of Canada, and Veterans Home of Canada to ensure a range of voices Veterans at the table. The program received unanimous approval from the Dominion Executive Board of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was a major supporter of the vision.

The success of the Burns Method depends on the commitment of a “militia” of volunteer veteran peer advocates. Since the recruitment process began in November 2024, more than 200 individuals who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP have raised their hands to help. Training is ongoing and first fifty Their peers have now been deployed after completing training and orientation.

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The program is grateful to Open Minds, an affiliate of the Canadian Mental Health Commission, for providing sessions in the “Mental Health First Aid – Veteran Community” program. The training prepares veteran peer advocates to listen, reflect, and respond to veteran guests seeking support for the mental health consequences of their service.

Burns Road provides veterans a A safe and anonymous space To connect with their coaching peers to start their journey towards wellness, ensuring that every interaction is judgment-free and grounded in trust and understanding.

The platform is no Crisis tool. If a veteran is looking for support during a crisis, they will be directed to the appropriate resources.

What makes the Burns method different? Burns method is:

  • Designed specifically for Canadian veterans, by veterans
  • Centered around the fundamental principles of anonymity and trust
  • Focus on underserved groups, including Indigenous veterans and 2SLGBTQI+ veterans

“Burns Way’s vision and commitment is to provide a way for veterans to help veterans, with special attention to those groups that have faced barriers when seeking care and support. This includes Indigenous veterans and those from ‘minority’ groups, including Including 2SLGBTQI+ and racist communities.”

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Take the first step now. Download Burns Method Application today on iOS or Android To explore a new way to connect with fellow veterans and access valuable resources.

For more information about the Burns Method and how you can support or get involved, please visit: https://theburnsway.ca/


For all media inquiries, please contact:

George Sully V gsoule@syntaxstrategic.ca Or 306-531-9112

By Burns
The Burns Way is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible, culturally safe and trusted peer support to all veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP. By leveraging technology, it connects veterans looking for help with trained peer advocates who share similar experiences in service, fostering confidence and empowerment in their health journeys. The Burns Method emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, seeking to complement existing veteran services and contribute to a supportive community.

About Tricycle
TryCycle Data Systems, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, is a digital health company dedicated to creating innovative solutions for underserved and at-risk communities, including Indigenous people, veterans, youth, court-involved individuals, and those navigating substance abuse. Drugs. Challenges. The company’s key platforms include the Talking Stick app, a culturally safe and anonymous peer support tool for Indigenous individuals, and the Burns Way app, which connects Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP veterans with trained peers to support mental health and wellness. By leveraging technology to foster meaningful connections and provide accessible, stigma-free resources, TryCycle is changing how care is delivered and accessed, addressing critical gaps in mental health and wellness services across diverse communities.

About opening minds
The Mental Health First Aid – Veterans Community (“MHFA-VC”) program, established by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada, addresses the mental health challenges faced by Canadian veterans and their families. By providing families and communities with practical tools, MHFA-VC strengthens support networks, ensuring Veterans feel understood and supported on their journey to wellness.


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