Purpose After Service through Sport (PASS) Project

Kudos to Professor Mark Beauchamp (PI, KIN), Associate Professor, Eli Puterman (Co-PI, KIN), and Assistant Professor Yan Liu (Co-I, ECPS) for their successful application to the 2021 Veteran Family Well-Being Fund. The project is titled Purpose After Service through Sport (PASS): Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Purpose After Service through Sport (PASS) was designed to foster social connectivity and well-being among military veterans. The program involves participants playing ball hockey, followed by the opportunity to access other support services such as counseling and, career transition information. An initial pilot study in Vancouver, British Columbia, proved the program’s feasibility and acceptability. The broad goal of this project is to extend PASS across Canada and examine, through high quality science (using a randomized controlled trial design), its effectiveness in supporting military veterans’ psychological and physical health.

Veterans who transition out of the military often face many challenges in civilian life. These include:

  • Identifying appropriate opportunities for employment.
  • Supporting their families.
  • Developing high quality social connections within their civilian lives.

On completion of active service, military veterans are at increased risk of diminished mental health. Social connectivity and physical activity have consistently been highlighted as facilitating better mental health and quality of life among veterans. With this in mind, the PASS program was developed to provide veterans and currently serving military with the opportunity to socially connect, take part in some regular physical activity, and provide them with supports for day-to-day living.

Currently, the PASS program is operating in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALL current and former members of the military are eligible to participate, including both regular and reserves. No registration is required as this is a FREE drop-in program. Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the program has been paused until further notice.

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