Veteran-led navigation & support for life after service.
Veteran Compass helps Canadian veterans who feel overwhelmed by transition, paperwork, or the VAC system find steady ground, clear direction, and practical next steps.
Non-clinical, trauma-informed support from someone who understands military life and the realities of transition.
What we help with
- Navigating VAC and benefits paperwork
- Feeling stuck or lost after leaving service
- Housing, income, and life logistics stress
- Emotional overwhelm and “where do I even start?”
You don’t need a diagnosis or a perfect story. If you’re a veteran and you’re struggling, we’ll walk it step by step.
About Veteran Compass
Veteran Compass Navigation & Support is a veteran-led service based in Alberta, supporting Canadian Armed Forces veterans across Canada. We focus on the messy middle of life after service: when the uniform is off, identity is shifting, and the systems feel impossible to navigate alone.
Who we are
Founded by Derrick Welsh, a Royal Canadian Navy Veteran, Veteran Compass combines lived experience, professional training, and practical navigation skills to support veterans in a grounded, non-clinical way.
What we believe
- Veterans deserve clear, honest support.
- Stability comes before big decisions.
- No one should have to navigate systems alone.
- Peer support and lived experience matter.
What We Do
We help veterans steady themselves, understand their options, and move through complex systems with a clear plan and consistent support.
Navigation Support
Step-by-step help with VAC forms, documentation, benefits, housing applications, and other systems that feel overwhelming. We turn “I don’t know where to start” into a concrete plan.
Peer Support & Stabilization
1-on-1 conversations with another veteran focused on grounding, perspective, and practical problem solving. Not judgment, not clinical labels—just steady support.
Transition Coaching
Support with identity, purpose, routine, and life direction after leaving service. We explore where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go next.
Ongoing Support Plans
For veterans who want regular check-ins and accountability, we offer simple monthly plans with a set number of sessions so you’re not carrying everything on your own.
Simple, Transparent Approach
No complicated intake pathways. No hoops. Just a short form, a booked session, and a clear focus on what matters most to you right now.
How It Works
We keep things simple and low-pressure so you can focus on what you need, not on more paperwork.
1. Reach Out
Fill out a short intake form and share—in your own words—what you’re dealing with. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
2. Book a Session
Choose a time that works for you. Sessions are available online and, where possible, in person.
3. Stabilize & Navigate
We start by grounding you, then work side-by-side on navigation, planning, or transition issues. Every session ends with clear next steps.
4. Continue if Helpful
If you find it useful, you can continue with individual sessions or move into a monthly support plan for ongoing check-ins.
Who We Help
Veteran Compass is primarily for Canadian Armed Forces veterans who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or alone in the transition process.
Veterans
- Overwhelmed by VAC, benefits, or paperwork
- Feeling lost or disconnected after leaving service
- Trying to juggle housing, finances, and family pressure
- Wanting support that “gets it” without being clinical
Professionals & Supporters
- Nonprofits and shelters working with veterans
- Legions and veteran organizations
- Employers with veteran employees
- Clinicians needing a navigation partner for their clients
For Organizations & Service Providers
Many organizations want to support veterans well but don’t have the time or capacity to walk them through every form, application, or transition decision. That’s where Veteran Compass fits.
How We Support Your Work
- 1:1 navigation and stabilization for your veteran clients
- Help preparing VAC and benefit applications
- Regular check-ins to keep people engaged
- Coordination with your team to avoid duplication
Retainer-Based Partnerships
We offer simple monthly retainer options so your organization can guarantee access to veteran-led navigation and support without needing to add a full-time position.
Interested in partnering?
Contact us to request partnership details.
Why Veteran-Led Support Matters
Veterans often say they’re tired of re-explaining their story or feel like the people they speak to “just don’t get it.” Veteran-led support changes that.
Shared Experience
Talking to someone who understands military culture removes a layer of pressure. You don’t need to translate your experience—there’s already a shared language.
Grounded & Practical
Our focus is on what is real, what is in front of you, and what can change next. We combine empathy with concrete action so you leave sessions with more than just talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re a veteran who’s feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, we can walk through it together—one step at a time.
Book a Session or Make a Referral
To book a session, refer a veteran, or ask a question about services or partnerships, please reach out using the contact details below.
Contact
Email: info@veterancompass.ca
Location: Based in Alberta, serving veterans across Canada (primarily online).