Leaving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) involves more than paperwork and practical arrangements. It can also bring changes to your identity, routines, relationships, family roles and expectations for the future.

Shifting Gears is a free, four-session workshop that helps medically released CAF members and their families better understand the transition to civilian life, develop practical strategies and prepare for what comes next together.

What can Shifting Gears help with?

Throughout the workshop, participants will have opportunities to:

• better understand the personal and family impacts of military-to-civilian transition;
• recognize and manage stress, uncertainty and common reactions to change;
• strengthen communication through changing roles and expectations;
• establish routines that support individual and family well-being; and
• identify realistic priorities and next steps for civilian life.

Shifting Gears combines guided discussion, practical activities and opportunities to connect with others navigating similar changes.

Who is this workshop for?

Shifting Gears is intended for medically released CAF members and the family members experiencing the transition alongside them.

Choose the series that works for you

The Shifting Gears workshop is offered twice each year. Both the spring and fall series cover the same core material.