The Toronto Youth Equity Strategy (TYES) invites frontline workers, working with youth most vulnerable to involvement in serious violence and crime, to attend our 2020 Frontline Workers’ Training Series.

Registration is now open for the workshop: Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care.

We are living through some of the most intense and difficult times many of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. There are many factors that are contributing to the physical, mental and emotional toll on community workers, including: the emotional weight of working during a pandemic; racial tensions and protests; providing support following traumatic community loss events related to gun violence; and the overdose and mental health crisis.

Community workers are also being challenged to navigate restrictions and disruptions to the way their work is delivered given the current realities.

It is important to that we pause and make time to care for ourselves and each other, to unburden the emotional weight we've been carrying, and strengthen our resiliency to continue the work of supporting others. This session will provide tools and perspectives to do just that.

This workshop will be delivered by Chris Leonard:

Chris Leonard is a private consultant who brings extensive experience supporting teams and individuals in the social service sector. Her process facilitation and trainings are grounded in holistic, anti-oppression frameworks that builds capacity in areas of grief and loss, restorative practices, resiliency and crisis response. Chris has supported women in prison, people living with HIV/AIDS, survivors of sexual violence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, bereaved youth, community members and workers impacted by gun violence, the opioid crisis and other traumatic events. Chris brings mindful awareness from training as a Zen shiatsu therapist into her work with individuals and teams impacted by loss and bereavement in communities in Ontario.

All frontline workers, including City staff and community-based workers, are encouraged to attend!

Stay tuned for updates on more upcoming Frontline Worker Workshops!