Watch Stander Training
Event Past | On-Demand Virtual Training Available
In May, CorpsStrength and The Link hosted Watch Stander Training presented by The Fire Watch in the fight to end veteran suicide.
Becoming a Watch Stander gives you the chance to become part of the solution in Florida. Through this virtual training you’ll learn how to serve as a Watch Stander: not a counselor, but a connector. Together, we can protect those who have protected us and help veterans and their families have More Good Days Together.
Stay in Touch
Would you like to know when CorpsStrength expands our services and host future events? If you share your email, we'll send you a few emails here and there to keep you posted.
This groundbreaking program empowers everyday community members to recognize the warning signs of veterans in crisis and connect them to life-saving support. There over 160,000 veterans in Northeast Florida alone and suicide rates for veterans are more than twice the civilian average.
Watch Stander Training will be lead by Derek Collins
Derek is the Regional Programs Director of Northeast Florida at The Fire Watch. A Marine Corp veteran, Derek’s mission is to bring the Watch Stander training program to business, churches, and other public organizations, helping to create more Veteran Safe Places. Derek is a strong advocate for changes in veteran healthcare and serves as Chairman of the Dept of Veterans Affairs Community Veterans Engagement Board. Derek also gives back by participating in other volunteer opportunities, including local food distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Watch Stander?
A Watch Stander is a trained volunteer who recognizes signs of veteran crisis and connects individuals to appropriate resources. They act as a bridge between the community and the support systems available to veterans at risk of suicide.
What is the time commitment?
One you complete this one hour training (in person or online), there is no specific future commitment such as answering phones or working any shifts. The goal is for you to keep this knowledge with you in case you ever need it for a friend, a family member, or someone in your community.
What does the training involve?
This live Watch Stander Training will take about an hour with a room for questions afterwards. It teaches you how to recognize signs of distress, start a conversation, and guide someone toward help using local and national resources. The training is also available virtually on The Fire Watch's website.
Who can become a Watch Stander?
Anyone can become a Watch Stander—veterans, family members, civilians, students, professionals—no prior mental health or military experience is required. The only requirement is a willingness to be part of the solution in preventing veteran suicide.
Why is the training free?
The Fire Watch provides Watch Stander Training free of charge as part of its mission to unite the community in preventing veteran suicide.
About CorpsStrength
CorpsStrength is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in the greater Jacksonville area. We offer the first searchable directory of its kind for injured veterans and their families to find the non-medical services that can assist with their recovery.