MFRC During Deployment & Absence Resources and Services

Currently experiencing a deployment or work-related absence? Discover the resources and services available to you and your family.

Family Networks

Is your military member anticipating, currently, or recently returned from a deployment or work-related absence? Register with us to receive deployment and work-related absence support by becoming a part of your Family Network, connecting with the MFRC local to you, and/or receiving support in French.

Monthly Information Sessions for Deployed Ships

Get the latest information and updates about your military member’s deployment with live Zoom updates from the ship’s Command Team. Senior members of the Canadian Fleet Pacific Staff and the MFRC will be on hand to answer questions, address concerns, and provide updates on workshops and activities.

These sessions are held during a ship's deployment. Watch your Family Network page for details and registration information.

How to Send Morale Mail

Did you know you could send morale mail to your deployed military member for free? This service is available at the MFRC under the direction of the Fleet Mail Office.

Find information on mailing guidelines, how to address your parcel, morale mail drop-off locations, prohibited items, and more! *For information specific to a deployment, please visit your Family Network page.

Are you looking for inspiration on how to decorate or what items to add to your next care package? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Deployment & Absence Resources and Services for Parents, Children & Youth

Is your family anticipating or currently experiencing a deployment or work-related absence? Learn about the resources and services available for parents, children, and youth during these times.

Find information on our Supporting Children Through Absence workshops, Respite Child Care During Absences, Children's Deployment Workbooks & Parent Guide, and more!

Short-Term Counselling

(For children ages 5 and over, couples, and families)

The Family Wellness and Counselling team includes a committed team of highly trained professionals, including Registered Social Workers and Counsellors. Team members understand the unique aspects of the military lifestyle and are committed to supporting families navigating experiences such as deployments and postings.

They can provide short-term counselling and personalized support for military lifestyle-related issues including:

Mental health support
Relationship issues
Parenting challenges
Coping with challenging situations

Intake information: [email protected] and 778-533-7736

Emergency Family Plan

It is essential to plan for the unexpected for you and your family. It is critical to have a workable emergency family plan if something happens at home to a family member during a work-related absence. This resource includes spaces for information on emergency contacts, child(ren), dependent adult(s), and pets.

Volunteering at the Esquimalt MFRC

Volunteering touches all that we do at the MFRC. A wide range of volunteer opportunities exists for you to become involved and make a positive impact in the military family community.

We are currently seeking: Family Network Volunteers, Community Engagement Volunteers, and General Program Volunteers.

Additional Resources

MFRC Events Calendar - A list of upcoming and ongoing events and activities online and in-person at the Esquimalt MFRC.

Mental Health & Wellness Supports

Important Phone Numbers & Links – Important phone numbers and website links at CFB Esquimalt and in the Greater Victoria community.
Family Information Line (1-800-866-4546) - Provides free 24/7 counselling supports for military connected families.
CF Members Assistance Program (1-800-268-7708) - Offers 24/7 assistance in finding a counsellor in the community. This program is free for military members and their families.
Emotional Cycle of Deployment - Based on experience and research with military families who have experienced a more traditional long-term deployment.

Military Community Supports

Canadian Military Family Magazine - website and Facebook page
Support to Parents Facebook Group
Support to Parents of CAF Members