Mishall RehmanA wealth of information, resources and even inspiration is sure to be abound at the Veterans Family Summit 2025 hosted by Atlas Institute.
This free virtual event is open to families of veterans looking to gain more information and insight on supporting loved ones with mental health illnesses. The event was established with the foresight that family members have their own unique challenges when caring for someone with an Operational Stress Injury.
“One of our major focuses at Atlas is that veteran families have their own unique experiences. Veteran families have their own brand of courage. It’s different than being in, and it’s separate and unique. And, just by nature, a family member has their own needs and experiences, and they’re supporting someone with a mental health injury. So, we wanted to be able to give this information and these tools to families,” said Larissa Lamrock, National Strategic Advisor, Families, for Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.
Two-days Steeped in Information
The Summit will take place over two days, Jan. 23-24. It is set up in a virtual format to give access to as many people as possible.
“Families who are staying at home and taking care of young kids in their PJs can come from their couch,” explained Lamrock.
The conference focuses on lived-in experience as expertise.
Each day begins with a keynote speaker. This year’s keynote speakers are Jennifer Eyre, spouse of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) former Chief of the Defence Staff, and Garry Hollander, a veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Following the keynote speakers, subject-matter experts and service providers will speak on topics ranging from mental health and sleep and the experiences of adult children of CAF veterans to moral injury and how parents of CAF members with OSIs can cope.
Each day will end with a “lived experiences” panel. One panel will focus on how to parent with Post Traumatic Stress Injuries in the home, while another panel will focus on Invictus Games alums.
“We’re very impressed and proud of the kind of people who we bring to the table. We try to seek out those subject-matter experts that people are well known for in the field,” said Lamrock.
Within the virtual venue, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit resource booths virtually. The Summit will feature 26 military and veteran family-oriented resources and programs for attendees to explore.
For Families by Families
The Veterans Family Summit is an initiative of veteran families, including Lamrock herself. As a Veteran spouse, child of a Veteran and mother of a a Reservist, Lamrock knew all too well what it means to support a Veteran loved one.
Through her work at Atlas, Lamrock enjoyed access to conferences and workshops that she felt should be shared with the wider community.
“What we’re thinking is okay, this is helping us in our job, but it’s also helping us as families trying to support our husbands with PTSD,” remembered Lamrock, who was often accompanied by a co-worker who was also a Veteran spouse.
Lamrock and her friend then proposed the idea of a summit to then-Atlas CEO.
“Atlas has been really supportive. And we have a great team working to put this Family Summit together. It’s about Veteran Families for Veteran Families,” states Lamrock.
About Atlas Institute
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was established in 2019. It started as the Centre of Excellence on PTSD and Other Related Mental Health Conditions.
The organization was established through the Minister of Veterans Affairs 2015 mandate letter.
However, after engaging with the military veteran community, the name was changed to reflect the organization’s work better. The name was changed to Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families in 2022.
Over the years, the Institute has grown to connect veteran families with a greater offering of support and services.
The Veterans Family Summit is offered in multiple languages. Registering prior to the event allows participants to access recordings for up to three months after.
Register for the Veterans Family Summit here.
