Health & Wellness
Supporting the physical and mental well-being of UFFW members and their families.
This page serves as a publicly accessible hub for members and their families. It outlines the work UFFW does to support member health, wellness, and recovery, including the enhanced occupational risks firefighters face. Below you will find departmental and non-departmental resources, each with program details and contact information.
Mental Health & Support
Public Safety Personnel
Resilience, Intervention, Support, Education (PSP – RISE) Program
PSP RISE is a free provincial mental health service for Manitoba’s public safety personnel.
It offers evidence-based mental health supports that reflect the realities of operational work and the stressors experienced by those who serve our communities.
Support is offered through a stepped-care approach, ranging from wellness education to more intensive mental health treatment.
Services include:
- Online mental wellness and resilience programs
- Virtual and in-person psychoeducational classes
- Group interventions
- Individual psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation
- Medication consultation and management
- Navigation support to connect individuals with appropriate care
EAP
Employee & Family Assistance Program
To access EAP services on GreenShield+, create a new account:
- Note our Organization Code: COW (or WPS for Winnipeg Police Service members)
- Go to app.greenshieldplus.ca/en/sign-up
- Select “Through an Employer or Organization”
- Select “I have an Organization Code”
- Follow the steps to register
- You’ll be asked to input your Employee Number. You can find this number by:
- Looking at the back of your employee identification card/badge, or,
- Logging into PeopleSoft
- Reach out to your Departmental HR contact if you are unsure about your Employee Number
- BHU
Behavioural Health Unit
Launched in December 2021 to provide timely and targeted mental health support to WFPS members. Supports include referral to the Lead Clinical Psychologist or Forensic Psychological Services for employer-supported psychological assessment, treatment, or therapy.
Contact
204-794-4611
Also available under “Employee Support and Self-Care” on WFPS Online
- PEER SUPPORT
Peer Support Team
A group of highly dedicated volunteers who lend an empathetic ear to their coworkers. While they are not counsellors, they are a group of firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, fire investigators, training staff, and administrative/support staff that can relate to the experiences of their peers, normalize responses, and help to process emotions and reactions to potentially traumatic events and incidents.
Funds & Financial Support
Preston Heinbigner Memorial Fund
Established in memory of Winnipeg Firefighter Preston Heinbigner, who tragically died by suicide in April 2024 after a battle with undiagnosed PTSD. Preston was deeply committed to helping others and is remembered for his compassion, courage, and integrity. This fund honours his legacy by supporting mental health and wellbeing through access to evidence-based trauma treatment, sponsoring firefighters from Manitoba to attend the Blueprint First Responder Resiliency Program.
Contact
Shayda Heinbigner · phmemorialfund@gmail.com
- PAUL LAFRANCE FUND
Paul LaFrance Mental Health Treatment Fund
Established by the City of Winnipeg and UFFW to support members experiencing addictions and mental health issues. The fund helps cover costs associated with attending in-patient treatment programs for addictions, mental health, and behavioural health issues.
Paul lafrance committee Chair
Adam Smithson
asmithson@uffw.ca
(204) 226 4170
Physical Health & Screening
UFFW Annual Physical & Mental Health Screening
As a firefighter, you face occupational hazards that put you at significantly higher risk for certain cancers, heart disease, and other serious health conditions. Early detection saves lives. This comprehensive screening program is designed specifically for the unique health risks you face on the job.
Provider: Pure Lifestyle
204-338-7873 · info@purewinnipeg.com
1129 Empress St · 308-2265 Pembina Hwy
Minor Illness & Injury Clinic and Injured Worker Program
Provider: Pure Lifestyle
204-338-7873 · info@purewinnipeg.com
1129 Empress St · 308-2265 Pembina Hwy
Workplace Injury & WCB
F2E Workplace Injury Guidance
Step-by-step direction on when and how to submit an F2E. Full details available in SOP 4.02 on WFPS Online.
1
Worker
Immediately report all incidents or injuries to your supervisor.
2
Supervisor
Ensure medical assistance, investigate, inform PSO, complete F2E Form, prevent recurrence.
3
PSO
Assist with investigation if requested, review F2E for completeness, confirm corrective action.
4
Submit
The F2E Form shall be submitted as soon as reasonably practicable after the incident or injury.
- WCB CLAIMS
WCB Claim Roadmap
Member rights, timelines, and a simplified guide to submitting a WCB claim, with or without time-loss. Further information and personalized guidance available through the WCB Chair.
If you or a fellow member needs support, do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone.
