PVV runs second VPSO training course 

Police Veterans Victoria last week ran its second dedicated training course for its Veteran Peer Support Officers (VPSOs). 

David McGowan opened the training with the history of PVV as well as the origins of the ‘Retired Peer Program’. 

Rebecca Lynch, PVV’s resident social worker, spoke to the important role VPSOs play in assisting police veterans and the strategies used to do so: active listening, containing the narrative, validation and shared experience. 

Dr Annie Venville gave an overview and findings of Victoria University Research; something integral to the foundation of the Peer Support Program. 

Dr Venville spoke highly of the program, noting it was fit for the purpose of rehabilitating peers. 

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” she said. 

PVV’s VPSOs are now equipped to provide the best support possible to their peers.