Connect – Strengthening the Bonds That Protect
The Connect Program equips military, police, and first responder teams with the tools and positive bonds to tackle adversity as a unified workforce. Tested with military personnel using a gold standard randomized controlled trial ((Wyman et al 2020, 2023), the program is proven to increase cohesion, improve mental health, and reduce suicide risk.
Developed and tested in collaboration with the US Air Force (Wyman et al, 2020, 2022), the Connect Program is adaptable for other military and police units. Evaluations are underway in: healthcare, religious communities, and youth sports.
Research Shows Upstream Benefits
This licensed program is designed to fortify your team from the inside out, fostering a culture of support and strength that transcends the challenges of high-stress occupations.
Improved mental health - depression and suicide risk
Connect promotes strength-based approaches for navigating stress and transitions, reduces suicide risk and depression symptoms. This helps develop positive long-term mental health and professional success.
Reduced Occupational Problems
Participants in the Connect Program reported fewer occupational problems such as corrective training and problems due to anger.
Increased social bonds and cohesion
The Connect Program strengthens group relationship bonds and creates mutual expectations of healthy behaviour within teams, boosting team dynamics and individual well-being and fostering a culture of collective care and support (Wyman et al, 2020, 2022).
Shared Healthy Expectations
Groups develop a common language and expectations for healthy coping through the use of the Four Core Strengths - Kinship, Purpose, Guidance and Balance - to support health and normalize help-seeking and receiving.
Less isolation for Members with Suicide Risk
Members at risk for suicide typically become less connected over time. The Connect program interrupts this harmful pattern and Wingman Guardian Connect groups have been shown to keep vulnerable members closer.
Key Features of the Connect Experience
Strategies that make Connect a leader in team resilience and wellness training.
Group Experience Fosters Natural Opportunities for Connection Learning
Engage in six hours of interactive training designed for 25-40 participants. Learning is personally meaningful, active, with an emphasis on learning from each other.
Video + Text Follow-Up Sustain Learning and Personal Application
Participants also receive text messages and videos for six months to reinforce training concepts and encourage personal application through transitions.
Quick Booster Activities Continue Group Growth
We provide team boosters and activities that anyone can pull off the shelf and use to reinforce and refresh the concepts after the initial six-hour educational session.
Related Research and Insights
Explore the evidence showcasing how Connect boosts teams.
less likely to receive corrective training or a negative counselling statement with fewer relationship problems due to anger, disconnection, and accelerated risk.
Promising Outcomes of Wingman-Connect Program in Reducing Suicidal Behavior Among US Air Force Personnel
- JAMA Network, Open
Frequently asked questions
The Connect Program is currently available for military and first responder organisations. Adaptations of the program are under evaluation in healthcare, religious communities, youth settings, and other workplaces. We will make the program available as results validate these adaptations. Click here to be notified when it becomes available to other workplace settings.
Unlike traditional programs that react to crises, Connect takes a proactive stance on wellness promotion, focusing on building strong, cohesive networks and developing protective strengths that benefit all members, regardless of their risk level.
Organizations will see a notable improvement in team cohesion, a decrease in adverse outcomes related to stress and mental health, and an overall enhancement in their members' well-being and operational readiness.
Connect is optimised for groups of 25-40 individuals, allowing for a balanced mix of personal engagement and group dynamics. Our training methods are designed to foster interactive learning and meaningful connections among participants.
Absolutely. Connect complements existing wellness initiatives by adding a layer of proactive mental health promotion and resilience building. It can seamlessly integrate with your current programs to enhance overall effectiveness.